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Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), Random Urine

Test Codes

Warde: UVMAR, EPIC: LAB7067, Beaker:

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Random urine specimen in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection cup. (Minimum: 10.0 mL)

• The specimen must be transported to the Laboratory immediately after the end of the collection interval. 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 15.0 mL random urine, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 10.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Samples not kept refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Transport: 15.0 mL random urine, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 10.0 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Warde Medical Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI.

Performed

Monday – Friday
Results are available in 6-8 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Quantitative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) – Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

Elevated levels are seen in cases of pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma and in some cases of carcinoid tumor.

Clinical Utility

Vanillylmandelic Acid is the primary metabolite of the catecholamines. Quantitation of VMA has been valuable in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with phenochromocytoma and related neurogenic tumors. Catecholamine-secreting tumors are surgically curable; therefore, it may be desirable to evaluate hypertensive patients for this possible cause.

CPT Codes

84585, 82570.
LOINC:  3122-9, 3124-5

Contacts

Last Updated

7/19/2021