VMA (Vanillyl Mandelic Acid) 24 Hour Urine Test
Short Name: VMA 24 Hour Urine Test
Also known as: VMA Urine Test, Vanillylmandelic Acid 24-Hour Urine Test
VMA (Vanillyl Mandelic Acid) 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,000. Uses HPLC-EC on 24-hour urine samples. Results in Reports are delivered within 2 days after the sample reaches the laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
Elevated values of VMA along with other catecholamine metabolites are suggestive of catecholamine secreting tumor like Neuroblastoma, Pheochromocytoma and other Neural crest tumors. VMA levels may also be useful in monitoring patients who are also treated. Elevated levels are suggestive of Pheochromocytoma but not diagnostic.
- Test Code
- 3756
- CPT Code
- 84585
- Price
- ₹5,000
- Sample Type
- 24-hour urine
- Result Time
- Reports are delivered within 2 days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- HPLC-EC
Sample Collection
Patient should strictly avoid Theophylline, chocolate, vanilla, banana, alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco and strenuous exercise at least 72 hrs before and during specimen collection.
Method: 24-hour urine collection with HCl preservative
Laboratory Analysis
Collect all urine passed over a full 24-hour period. Keep the container refrigerated during collection. The container should contain 50% HCl to maintain pH between 1 and 2; do not use concentrated HCl. Record the total 24-hour urine volume and collection times.
Report Delivery
Store the sealed container at 2-8°C or frozen if the sample cannot be delivered immediately. Include the recorded 24-hour urine volume on the test form and container. Transport the sample to the laboratory refrigerated or frozen.
Timeline: Reports are delivered within 2 days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
Elevated values of VMA along with other catecholamine metabolites are suggestive of catecholamine secreting tumor like Neuroblastoma, Pheochromocytoma and other Neural crest tumors. VMA levels may also be useful in monitoring patients who are also treated. Elevated levels are suggestive of Pheochromocytoma but not diagnostic.
How to Prepare
- Avoid the listed substances and strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during collection.
- Use the collection container provided by the laboratory.
- Discard the first morning urine and note the start time.
- Collect all urine passed during the next 24 hours into the container.
- Store the container in a refrigerator or cool place during collection.
- Record the total urine volume on the request form and container.
- Deliver the sample to the laboratory refrigerated or frozen.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Elevated VMA levels are a useful biochemical clue, but pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma must be confirmed by imaging and more specific tests like metanephrines. I recommend interpreting VMA results in the full clinical picture."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Total 24-hour urine volume not recorded accurately
- Container without 50% HCl or pH not maintained between 1 and 2
- Use of concentrated HCl in the container
- Incomplete 24-hour urine collection
- Sample kept at room temperature for more than 8 hours
Understanding Your Results
Normal VMA
No biochemical evidence of excess catecholamine production.
Mildly elevated VMA
Could be due to diet, medication, stress, or collection error; repeat or evaluate with more specific tests.
Moderately to markedly elevated VMA
Suggests possible catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumor; further imaging and metanephrine testing recommended.
See an oncologist or endocrinologist if VMA is elevated or if symptoms such as high blood pressure, headache, palpitations, sweating, weight loss, or abdominal pain persist.
Limitations
- ⚠Elevated VMA alone is not diagnostic for pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma; clinical correlation and imaging are required.
- ⚠Dietary and medication non-compliance may produce false-positive results.
- ⚠Additional studies such as plasma or urinary metanephrines may be needed for confirmation.
Risks & Considerations
- ●No significant risk for VMA 24-hour urine collection.
- ●Sample leakage or incomplete collection may require repeat testing.
Interfering Factors
- ●Theophylline
- ●Chocolate
- ●Vanilla
- ●Banana
- ●Alcoholic beverages
- ●Tea/coffee
- ●Tobacco
- ●Strenuous exercise
Compare With Similar Tests
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| Comparison | VMA (Vanillyl Mandelic Acid) 24 Hour Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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