Catecholamines & VMA 24 Hour Urine Test
Short Name: Catecholamines & VMA 24hr Urine
Also known as: Catecholamines and VMA 24-hour urine test, 24-hour urine catecholamines test
Catecholamines & VMA 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,000. Uses LC-MS/MS, High Performance Liquid Chromatography on 50 mL (10 mL min.) aliquot of 24-hour urine samples. Results in Reports available in 2 days after sample receipt.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To diagnose and monitor conditions related to catecholamine excess, such as pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and autonomic dysfunction, by measuring catecholamines and VMA levels in urine.
- Test Code
- 276
- Price
- ₹11,000
- Sample Type
- 50 mL (10 mL min.) aliquot of 24-hour urine
- Result Time
- Reports available in 2 days after sample receipt.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- LC-MS/MS, High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Sample Collection
Avoid certain medications and substances at least 72 hours before and during specimen collection as per instructions.
Method: 24-hour urine collection
Laboratory Analysis
Collect all urine over 24 hours in a provided container with 50% HCl to maintain pH 1-2.
Report Delivery
Record 24-hour volume on the container and request form, then ship refrigerated or frozen to the lab.
Timeline: Reports available in 2 days after sample receipt.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To diagnose and monitor conditions related to catecholamine excess, such as pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and autonomic dysfunction, by measuring catecholamines and VMA levels in urine.
How to Prepare
- Start collection after discarding the first morning urine.
- Collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the first morning urine on the second day.
- Add 50% HCl to the container as instructed to maintain pH.
- Store urine in a cool place or refrigerator during collection.
- Record total volume on the container.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"This test is crucial for diagnosing catecholamine-secreting tumors like pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma, guiding treatment decisions."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly collected sample
- pH not maintained between 1-2
- Contamination
- Inadequate volume
Understanding Your Results
May indicate pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, or other catecholamine-secreting tumors.
Range: Elevated catecholamines and VMA
Suggests absence of significant catecholamine excess, but clinical correlation is needed.
Range: Normal levels
Could be due to stress, medications, or collection errors; repeat testing may be recommended.
Range: Variable levels
If you experience symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, headaches, or sweating, or if results are abnormal.
Limitations
- ⚠Results may be affected by recent stress or medication use.
- ⚠Single urine collection may not capture episodic hormone release.
- ⚠Cannot distinguish between tumor types without additional imaging.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk; non-invasive urine collection.
- ●Potential for minor inconvenience during 24-hour collection.
Interfering Factors
- ●Alpha-one blockers
- ●Aminophylline
- ●Amphetamines
- ●Ampicillin
- ●Beta-blockers
- ●Ephedrine
- ●Imipramine
- ●Methyldopa
- ●MAO inhibitors
- ●Nicotine
- ●Phenacetin
- ●Phenothiazine
- ●Theophylline
- ●Vasodilators
- ●Aspirin
- ●PAS
- ●Alpha-2 agonists
- ●Bromocriptine
- ●Calcium channel blockers (long term use)
- ●Clofibrate
- ●Propranolol
- ●Penicillin
- ●Reserpine
- ●Thyroxine
- ●Alpha-methyldopa
- ●Isoproterenol
- ●Labetalol
- ●Mandelamine
- ●Paracetamol
- ●Cimetidine
- ●Metoclopramide
- ●Vigorous exercise
- ●Alcoholic beverages
- ●Tea/coffee
- ●Tobacco
- ●Chocolate
- ●Vanilla
- ●Banana
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Catecholamines & VMA 24 Hour Urine Test | Catecholamines, Serum | Metanephrines, 24-hour Urine | Dopamine, Urine | Normetanephrine, Urine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Catecholamines & VMA 24 Hour Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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