Plasma Free Metanephrine (MN)
O-methylated metabolite of epinephrine produced within the adrenal medulla, serving as the gold standard screen for pheochromocytoma.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesnmol/L
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
<0.50 nmol/L
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<0.30 nmol/L
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Formed continuously in chromaffin cells by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), yielding steady baseline levels.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (MN High)
- •Pheochromocytoma (adrenal chromaffin tumor)
- •Severe acute physiological stress or trauma
- •Tricyclic antidepressant or sympathomimetic use
Low Levels (MN Low)
- •Normal autonomic and chromaffin baseline
- •Absence of adrenergic neoplasm
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for MN
- Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to adrenomedullary catecholamines
- Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Plasma Free Metanephrine - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
- [2]MN in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Plasma Free Metanephrine (MN) into overall healthspan optimization.