The authors present actual opinions on laboratory pheochromocytoma diagnosis. The best diagnostic method is free plasma metanephrines analysis; synchronous measurement of additional metabolites and catecholamines with preanalytical and analytical standardisation is not optimal. With regard to possible false results positivity it can be recommend perform clonidine suppression testing with analysis of free plasma normetanephrine for about 20% patients with suspition for pheochromocytoma. The authors present their own diagnostic algorithm which they routinely use in their hospital.

        Key words: metanephrines, pheochromocytoma, vanilmandelic acid, catecholamines, hypertension.