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Dopamine, Plasma
Quest Diagnostics1 test optionFrom $178.79
Dopamine, Plasma
Quest DiagnosticsCatalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.
What this laboratory test evaluates
Details
Dopamine, Plasma – Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [1]. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) [2].
Neuroblastomas occur predominantly in children and are the most common malignancy under 1 year old. Neuroblastomas are catecholamine-metabolizing tumors, and thus catecholamine metabolites (including VMA and HVA) are more reliable than catecholamines as biochemical markers for neuroblastomas [1]. However, urinary VMA and HVA levels may have limited accuracy for diagnosis of neuroblastomas with high-risk metastatic biology [1]. Because poor prognosis is associated with immaturity of catecholamine metabolism, dopamine levels in urine or blood have been proposed as an additional marker to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [3].
Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, but the relative amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine varies widely. Measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are recommended by the Endocrine Society for the initial biochemical testing of PPGLs [4]. In patients with high clinical suspicion but normal blood pressure and normal levels of metanephrines, measurement of dopamine and its metabolites (HVA and methoxytyramine) may help diagnose PPGLs that predominantly secrete dopamine [2].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Eisenhofer G. Monoamine-producing tumors. In: Rifai R, et al. eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier Inc; 2022.
2. Jain A, et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2020;35(4):581-594.
3. Brodeur GM, et al. J Clin Oncol. 1993;11(8):1466-1477.
4. Lenders JW, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):1915-1942
Additional test information
Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs).
Collection and processing
- Sample type: Plasma
- Fasting: No
- Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected
How Sunridge uses laboratory information
Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.
Before requesting this test
Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.
Related Sunridge care
Learn how Sunridge approaches Neurologic Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.
Common questions about this laboratory test
- What sample does this test require?
- The listed sample type is Plasma. Confirm current collection instructions in the approved order.
- Does this test require fasting?
- The current catalog record lists fasting as: No. Follow the instructions supplied with the approved order.
- How long does laboratory processing usually take?
- Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected. Timing can change after collection or if a laboratory requires additional review.
About this test
Details
Dopamine, Plasma - Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [1]. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) [2].
Neuroblastomas occur predominantly in children and are the most common malignancy under 1 year old. Neuroblastomas are catecholamine-metabolizing tumors, and thus catecholamine metabolites (including VMA and HVA) are more reliable than catecholamines as biochemical markers for neuroblastomas [1]. However, urinary VMA and HVA levels may have limited accuracy for diagnosis of neuroblastomas with high-risk metastatic biology [1]. Because poor prognosis is associated with immaturity of catecholamine metabolism, dopamine levels in urine or blood have been proposed as an additional marker to aid in diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas [3].
Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, but the relative amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine varies widely. Measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines (ie, the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites) are recommended by the Endocrine Society for the initial biochemical testing of PPGLs [4]. In patients with high clinical suspicion but normal blood pressure and normal levels of metanephrines, measurement of dopamine and its metabolites (HVA and methoxytyramine) may help diagnose PPGLs that predominantly secrete dopamine [2].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Eisenhofer G. Monoamine-producing tumors. In: Rifai R, et al. eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier Inc; 2022.
2. Jain A, et al. Pediatr Nephrol. 2020;35(4):581-594.
3. Brodeur GM, et al. J Clin Oncol. 1993;11(8):1466-1477.
4. Lenders JW, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(6):1915-1942
Additional details
Measurement of dopamine levels in urine or blood in addition to urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels may aid in the biochemical diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastomas. This test may also be useful in evaluating dopamine-secreting pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs).
Highlighted health areas
- Hormones
- Neurological
Biomarkers and report focus
The exact analytes and report format can change. Confirm the current contents in the Fullscript order before payment.
- Dopamine, Serum/Plasma