What is a VMA urine test?

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and other catecholamine metabolites such as homovanillic acid (HVA) measurement in urine are used for screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors such as neuroblastoma and other neural crest tumors and monitoring those who have had treatment for these tumors.

How do you collect urine for VMA test?

For this test, you must collect your urine in a special bag or container every time you urinate for 24-hour period.

On day 1, urinate over the toilet when you wake up in the morning and discard that urine.
Urinate into the special container every time you use the bathroom for the next 24 hours.

What do high levels of VMA mean?

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and other catecholamine metabolites (homovanillic acid: HVA and dopamine) are typically elevated in patients with catecholamine-secreting tumors (eg, neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and other neural crest tumors).

What is normal range of VMA?

Normal Values: VMA: 2 to 7 mg/24-hours.

Why is the VMA test done?

The vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) test is primarily used to detect and rule out tumors called neuroblastomas in children with an abdominal mass or other symptoms suggestive of the disease.

How is the VMA test done?

This test measures the amount of VMA that is passed into the urine, typically over a 24-hour period, to detect excess epinephrine and norepinephrine. It is used to detect tumors called neuroblastomas and other neuroendocrine tumors.

Can stress cause high metanephrines?

Higher levels of metanephrines may mean that you have an adrenal gland tumor. But false-positive results can happen. Higher levels may also be caused by obstructive sleep apnea, stress, or other illnesses.

What causes high metanephrines in urine?

Certain medicines, foods, and conditions can cause metanephrine and catecholamine levels to be higher than normal. These include: Antidepressants and amphetamines. Physical or emotional stress.

What causes high dopamine levels in urine?

Conclusions: A high urine dopamine was found in <3% of adult urine specimens. It was most commonly associated with: over-collection, probable drug effects and neural crest tumours. Neuroblastoma was the most common cause of elevated dopamine in children’s specimens, although other associations are described.