UK NEQAS for Plasma Metanephrines
The plasma metanephrines test is used for the presumptive diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting phaeochromocytomas or paragangliomas. The measurement of plasma metanephrines has been shown to be a highly sensitive test for the detection of phaeochromocytoma – a negative test result virtually rules out the diagnosis. Testing may also be used when a tumour has been treated or removed to monitor for recurrence.
The Plasma Metanephrines scheme will include Normetanephrine, Metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine and will be distributed as lyophilised EDTA plasma, for enhanced stability.
There will be no charge to participants for distributions circulated up until March 2024.
| Scheme Particulars | Indicative Details |
|---|---|
| Accreditation body | UKAS |
| UKAS Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider No | 7860 |
| Number of distributions per year (nominal) | 11 |
| Specimens per distribution | 3 |
| Frequency of distribution | Monthly |
| Material distributed | Pooled, Lyophilised human Plasma with or without exogenous added analyte |
| Nominal sample volume (mL) | 1.1 |
| Programme Director(s) / Organiser(s) | Finlay MacKenzie |
| Analyte | Approximate Range | Default Scheme Units |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma 3-methoxytyr | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L |
| Plasma met | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L |
| Plasma normet | 50 – 4000 | pmol/L |
- Download Plasma Metanephrines 2024 schedule 53 KB
Please use the sign up form to register your interest in this scheme (quoting your UK NEQAS Laboratory ID where available). We would encourage you to provide us with details of which analytes you measure and the analyser and ‘kit’ (reagent and calibrator) you are using. This will help us tailor the scheme to your needs.
