Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test
Short Name: Neuroblastoma Profile Urine
Also known as: VMA HVA 24 Hour Urine Test, Neuroblastoma Screening Urine Test, Catecholamine Metabolites Urine Test, Vanillyl Mandelic Acid and Homovanillic Acid Urine Test
Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,500. Uses High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on 24-Hour Urine samples. Results in Sample accepted on Wednesday and Saturday by 9:00 AM. Reports available on Friday and Tuesday respectively. Total turnaround time is approximately 2 to 3 business days.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test is performed to detect and quantify Vanillyl Mandelic Acid (VMA) and Homovanillic Acid (HVA) in a 24-hour urine sample. These catecholamine metabolites serve as important biochemical markers for neuroblastoma and related neuroendocrine tumors. The test aids in initial diagnosis, helps determine the extent of the disease, monitors response to treatment, and detects potential recurrence during follow-up. Elevated urinary VMA and HVA levels are found in approximately 90% of patients with neuroblastoma, making this test a sensitive and valuable tool in pediatric oncology.
- Test Code
- 1298
- CPT Code
- 82397
- ICD Code
- C74.9
- Price
- ₹8,500
- Sample Type
- 24-Hour Urine
- Result Time
- Sample accepted on Wednesday and Saturday by 9:00 AM. Reports available on Friday and Tuesday respectively. Total turnaround time is approximately 2 to 3 business days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Sample Collection
Patient must strictly avoid L-Dopa, Theophylline, chocolate, vanilla, banana, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, tobacco, and strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during the 24-hour urine collection period. Consult your treating physician regarding any medications that may need to be temporarily discontinued. No fasting is required for this test, but dietary restrictions as listed must be followed.
Method: 24-hour timed urine collection with acid preservative
Laboratory Analysis
Collect all urine passed over a complete 24-hour period into the provided container with the appropriate volume of 50% HCl preservative to maintain urine pH between 1–2. Do not use concentrated HCl. Discard the first morning urine on the day collection begins and begin collecting from the second void. Collect all subsequent urine including the first morning void on the following day. Record the total 24-hour urine volume on the test request form and urine container. Keep the container refrigerated or on ice throughout the collection period.
Report Delivery
After completing the 24-hour collection, mix the urine thoroughly, record the total volume, and transfer a 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) aliquot into the provided transport container. Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to DNA Labs India. Our home collection team can assist with pickup at your convenience.
Timeline: Sample accepted on Wednesday and Saturday by 9:00 AM. Reports available on Friday and Tuesday respectively. Total turnaround time is approximately 2 to 3 business days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test is performed to detect and quantify Vanillyl Mandelic Acid (VMA) and Homovanillic Acid (HVA) in a 24-hour urine sample. These catecholamine metabolites serve as important biochemical markers for neuroblastoma and related neuroendocrine tumors. The test aids in initial diagnosis, helps determine the extent of the disease, monitors response to treatment, and detects potential recurrence during follow-up. Elevated urinary VMA and HVA levels are found in approximately 90% of patients with neuroblastoma, making this test a sensitive and valuable tool in pediatric oncology.
How to Prepare
- Obtain the 24-hour urine collection kit from DNA Labs India or via home collection visit
- Discard the first morning urine on day 1 of collection; begin timing from the second void
- Collect all urine over the next 24 hours, including the first morning void on day 2
- Add the appropriate volume of 50% HCl preservative to the collection container before beginning (do not use concentrated HCl)
- Keep the collection container refrigerated or on ice throughout the 24-hour period
- Record the total 24-hour urine volume accurately on the request form and container label
- Mix thoroughly and transfer a 50 mL aliquot to the transport vial
- Ship refrigerated or frozen to DNA Labs India laboratory
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test is a cornerstone investigation in the initial diagnostic workup of suspected neuroblastoma in children. Elevated VMA and HVA levels in urine are characteristic findings in approximately 90% of neuroblastoma cases. This test is also invaluable for monitoring treatment response and detecting disease recurrence during follow-up. I strongly recommend that parents do not attempt to interpret results in isolation—always consult your treating oncologist, as borderline elevations may occur in other conditions and clinical correlation with imaging and histopathology is essential."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Urine sample not preserved with 50% HCl or pH not maintained between 1–2
- Incomplete 24-hour urine collection (total volume not recorded or collection period incomplete)
- Sample received at room temperature beyond 8 hours post-collection
- Sample container leaking or improperly labeled
- Patient did not follow dietary and medication restrictions prior to collection
Understanding Your Results
Levels within the normal reference range suggest the absence of significant catecholamine-secreting tumors. However, normal results do not completely rule out neuroblastoma, as some tumors may not produce elevated metabolite levels. Clinical correlation is recommended.
Significantly elevated VMA and/or HVA levels are suggestive of neuroblastoma or another catecholamine-secreting tumor such as pheochromocytoma or ganglioneuroma. Further evaluation with imaging studies (CT, MRI, MIBG scan) and biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.
Differential elevation of VMA or HVA may provide clues about the tumor's biochemical profile. VMA predominance is more typical of certain neuroblastoma subtypes, while HVA predominance may indicate less differentiated tumors. This pattern warrants further investigation by an oncologist.
Declining VMA and HVA levels in a patient undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma generally indicate a positive treatment response. Serial monitoring is recommended to track treatment efficacy.
Increasing levels of VMA and HVA during or after treatment may indicate disease recurrence or progression. Immediate oncologist consultation is recommended for further evaluation and possible treatment modification.
Consult your oncologist or pediatric specialist if your child experiences any of the following: an unexplained abdominal mass or swelling, persistent abdominal or bone pain, unexplained weight loss or poor appetite, raccoon eyes (periorbital bruising), high blood pressure, excessive sweating, or if the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test shows elevated VMA or HVA levels. Early consultation is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment of neuroblastoma.
Limitations
- ⚠This test measures catecholamine metabolites and cannot independently confirm a neuroblastoma diagnosis without clinical correlation, imaging studies, and histopathological confirmation
- ⚠Some neuroblastoma tumors may not secrete elevated levels of VMA or HVA, potentially leading to false-negative results
- ⚠Other conditions such as pheochromocytoma, ganglioneuroma, and certain medications can cause elevated VMA and HVA levels
- ⚠Reference ranges may vary by age and laboratory methodology; results must be interpreted by a qualified oncologist
- ⚠Inadequate specimen collection or failure to follow dietary and medication restrictions may compromise result accuracy
Risks & Considerations
- ●This is a completely non-invasive urine collection test with no physical risks or side effects
- ●Failure to follow pre-collection restrictions may produce inaccurate results, potentially leading to unnecessary further testing or missed diagnosis
- ●Patients should discuss any concerns about medication discontinuation with their physician before starting the collection
Interfering Factors
- ●Intake of L-Dopa, Theophylline, or certain sympathomimetic medications within 72 hours prior to collection
- ●Consumption of chocolate, vanilla, banana, tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverages within 72 hours of specimen collection
- ●Use of tobacco products or strenuous physical exercise within 72 hours of collection
- ●Inadequate acidification of urine specimen (pH must be maintained between 1–2)
- ●Incomplete 24-hour urine collection leading to falsely low values
- ●Certain medications including MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and antihypertensive drugs
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test | Catecholamines (Blood) | Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) - Serum | MIBG Scan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test | Blood catecholamines measure epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine directly in blood, while the 24-hour urine test measures their metabolites (VMA, HVA). The urine test is more stable and widely used for neuroblastoma screening, whereas blood catecholamines may fluctuate significantly with stress and activity. | Serum NSE is a blood-based tumor marker for neuroblastoma. While it provides information about tumor burden, it is less specific than VMA/HVA. The urine metabolite test and serum NSE are often used together for comprehensive neuroblastoma evaluation. | MIBG (Metaiodobenzylguanidine) scan is an imaging study that localizes neuroblastoma tumors. While the 24-hour urine test detects biochemical markers of the disease, the MIBG scan identifies the anatomical location and extent of tumor spread. Both are complementary in diagnosis and staging. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test?
What does the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test measure?
Who should get the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test?
What substances should be avoided before the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test?
How is the 24-hour urine sample collected for the Neuroblastoma Profile test?
What are normal VMA and HVA levels in a 24-hour urine sample?
Can the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test confirm neuroblastoma on its own?
Is the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test safe for children?
How long does it take to get results for the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test?
What is the cost of the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test in India?
Can medications affect the Neuroblastoma Profile test results?
Is home sample collection available for the Neuroblastoma Profile 24 Hour Urine Test?
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