The quantitative determination of catecholamine content (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) in EDTA plasma is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an electrochemical detector, a technique that is the gold standard in laboratory diagnostics. This technique enables accurate and reliable chromatographic quantification of all three parameters from a single sample.
One day before sampling, do not consume: coffee, Coca-Cola, bananas, oranges, chocolate, tomatoes, pineapples, hazelnuts, kiwis, avocados. It is desirable to discontinue therapy with medications containing adrenaline or similar compounds 5 days before sampling: dopamine, methyldopa (Aldomet, Aldoril, Dopegit, Dopamet), as well as tetracyclines, ampicillin, erythromycin, quinine, aspirin, and beta-blockers.
Venipuncture should be performed on the patient in a lying or reclined position using a butterfly needle inserted 20-30 minutes earlier. Carefully mix the test tube with the sample by inverting it 8-10 times and then centrifuge and separate the plasma.
At room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage (up to 9 months), freeze the samples (-20°C). Recommendation: Immediately freeze the plasma at -20°C after separation due to the rapid degradation of catecholamines!
The minimum volume for analysis is 1ml of plasma; the preferred volume is 2ml (for potential repeat testing).