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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (typically serum or urine) to determine epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), a secondary amine hormone in the catecholamine group. Epinephrine is the major substance produced by the adrenal medulla, it is a potent stimulator of the nervous system and a powerful cardiac stimulant; epinephrine also influences metabolic processes. Increased epinephrine levels (most assays measure active, free epinephrine) are associated with thyroid hormone deficiency, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias. Measurements of epinephrine and its metabolites (e.g., urinary metanephrines, vanillylmandelic acid) are also used for diagnosis of some catecholamine- secreting tumors (e.g., pheochromocytoma).
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