Collect blood into a pre-chilled vacutainer (green top) containing heparin as the anti-coagulant. To prepare plasma samples, centrifuge the heparinized blood immediately after collection for 15 min at 1500 x g in a refrigerated centrifuge set at 4o C. Transfer the clear plasma to a chilled, labeled 12 x 75 mm polypropylene tube. Store at -80o C until time of assay.
The catecholamine method (HPLC with electrochemical detection) requires at least 1 ml of plasma which is extracted and then injected onto the column.
Suggested blood sample size: 5 ml
Collect a 24 hr. urine sample in a clean plastic or glass bottle containing 20 ml of 33% acetic acid. For children <5 years old, add only 12 ml of 33% acetic acid to the container. Bring container to the clinical lab on 3rd floor of UIHC where the urine volume is measured, recorded and a sample is removed for creatinine determination.
Transfer a 4 to 5 ml aliquot of the 24 hr acidified urine to a 5 ml polypropylene orange-capped tube (Corning) and freeze at -80o C until time of assay. Discard the remainder of collected urine.
The urinary catecholamine method (HPLC with electrochemical detection) is similar to that used for plasma catecholamines.
Suggested urine sample size: 24 hr. collection containing acetic acid with a 4-5 ml aliquot removed and frozen.
