Test Entry - Detail

Clonidine Suppression Test

General

Clinical Use:

In patients with a borderline increase in the plasma concentration or urinary excretion of normetanephrine, clonidine suppression is useful to distinguish true- from false-positive test results,
and thus, exclude/confirm phaeochromocytoma.

Availability:

Samples are batched and tested twice a week.

Aliases/Synonyms:

Pre/Post Clonidine,

Code:

CST

Handling Instructions (to laboratory):

Send whole samples on ice.

Hyperlink:

Reference Interval:

Adequate suppression post-clonidine, indicating a low probability of noradrenaline-secreting phaeochromocytoma,
is a decrease in plasma normetanephrine into the age-specific reference interval, or by => 40% from the baseline level.

Collection Requirements

Container:

Lithium Heparin, No Gel (DKGNLITH),

Sample Type:

See container

Minimum Collection Volume:

1.5mL per sample

Collection Instructions:

For outpatients the test should be carried out in a day procedure unit under an appropriate admitting specialty as nursing and medical supervision is required. Inpatient testing can be performed by the admitting team.
Advice may be sought from the FSH/RPH Duty Biochemist of endocrinology team.
All samples should be place on ice immediately following collection. If samples will not reach laboratory within 4 hours of collection, they must be centrifuged at 4 degrees, separated and frozen.
1. Collect first sample PRIOR to the patient taking the medication. Record the time of collection on tube and request form.
2. Patient is given the medication.
3. Collect second sample THREE HOURS POST DOSE. Record time of collection on tube and request form.

Processing Requirements

Alternate Containers:

Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge at 4°C, separate and freeze sample.

Minimum Assay Volume:

500uL

Stability:

4 hours chilled (Whole Blood); 24 hours chilled (Separated Plasma)

Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):

Send separated samples frozen on dry ice.

Testing Locations

Performed at:

Section	Department	Site	Contact Phone
HPLC/LCMS	Biochemistry	Fiona Stanley Hospital	6152 2396

Last Updated : 28-01-2021 13:37