Test Directory

Diagnose pheochromocytoma, VMA is of value for evaluation of hypertension, diagnose and follow up neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma, and ganglioneuroblastoma. Most neuroblastoma patients excrete excess HVA in 24-hour collections. If VMA and HVA are both used in work-up, up to 80% of all cases will be detected.

Specimen Type: 24 Hour Urine

Collection Container: 24 Hour Plastic Urine Container

Desired Specimen Volume: 4 mL

1. Collect 24-hour urine in a timed urine collection jug.
2. Refrigerate 24-hour urine during collection.

1. Transfer 4 mL of urine from a well-mixed sample to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Patient should avoid salicylates, caffeine, phenothiazine, and antihypertension agents. Also coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit (especially bananas and any vanilla containing substances for 72 hours prior to collection).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

See patient report.

Some neuroblastoma patients are positive for urinary homovanillic acid abnormality but do not excrete increased VMA. Twenty percent to 32% of patients with neuroblastoma do not have elevation of VMA. Many will have other laboratory abnormalities such as increased metanephrines, homovanillic acid (HVA), or dopamine.

• 3-Methoxy-4-Hydroxymandelic Acid, 24-Hour Urine
• VMA, 24-Hour Urine