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Catecholamine Metabolite Urine Panel (Vanillylmandelic Acid and Homovanillic Acid)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures two important waste products from your body’s natural chemical messengers (catecholamines). It helps check if your adrenal glands or nerves are working properly.

Quick summary

["Assesses adrenal or nerve system function by detecting breakdown products in urine."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12519-5
Short code
UCAT5
Synonyms
Catechols sp5 p chal Ur-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
24-hour urine collection container with 6N HCl preservative (10-25 mL); aliquot into plastic transport tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–99 years
Method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-ECD) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
82384
SNOMED
16546251000119104
Specimen volume
5-10 mL aliquot from well-mixed 24-hour collection
Stability
Stable for 14 days at 2-8°C; stable for 6 months at -20°C if acidified to pH <3
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
72–168 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained sweating. It’s also used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production) or nerve disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll need to collect a 24-hour urine sample, starting after midnight one day and ending just after midnight the next. Drink plenty of water to help flush out the substances. Avoid certain medications that might affect results, and inform your doctor about all prescribed or over-the-counter drugs.

How the Test Works

Your urine is analyzed for two specific metabolites: vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA). These compounds are byproducts of catecholamines like adrenaline and norepinephrine, which regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. Advanced lab techniques (likely high-performance liquid chromatography) measure these levels precisely.

Possible Results and Interpretation

Higher-than-normal levels may suggest overactivity of your adrenal glands or nerve system, potentially due to tumors, certain medications, or stress. Lower-than-normal levels might indicate nerve damage or other conditions affecting catecholamine production. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

Reference range

Reference values vary by laboratory; generally elevated post-challenge compared to baseline. Consult laboratory-specific reference range.N/A

Specimen: urine

Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to collection. Discontinue certain medications (e.g., MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, alpha/beta blockers) as directed by physician. Maintain normal sodium intake. Patient should be fasting or on a light diet as instructed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine Catecholamine Metabolites

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated results?
Elevated levels of VMA or HVA could indicate conditions like pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor in the adrenal glands), certain nerve disorders, or excessive stress. Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure or mental health, may also influence these results.
What causes low results?
Low levels might suggest nerve damage (neuropathy), certain genetic disorders, or conditions affecting catecholamine production. It’s less common but can occur in some metabolic or endocrine disorders.
How often should this test be repeated?
Your doctor will determine the frequency based on your diagnosis or symptoms. If you have an ongoing condition like pheochromocytoma, follow-up tests may be scheduled every few months to monitor changes in your levels.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy