24-Hour Urinary Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) or Metanephrines
This test measures chemicals produced by the breakdown of certain hormones in your urine over 24 hours. It helps assess whether your adrenal glands are functioning normally or if there’s an issue like a tumor (such as a pheochromocytoma).
["This test can help diagnose conditions affecting hormone production in your adrenal glands or nerves."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25930-9
- Short code
- HVA 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HVA 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to check for rare conditions that cause hormone imbalances, such as neuroblastoma in children or adrenal tumors in adults.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, starting and ending at the same time each day. Store the urine in a cool, dark place. Your doctor or lab technician will provide instructions to ensure accuracy.
How the Test Works
The urine sample is analyzed to measure specific chemicals (VMA or metanephrines) that reflect hormone activity. The test is done using a specialized laboratory method to detect these substances accurately.
What the Results Mean
High levels may suggest overactivity of certain hormones, while low levels could indicate underactivity or other underlying health issues. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
VMA/Metanephrines (24h urine)
Frequently asked questions
This test is critical for diagnosing conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor affecting hormone production), neuroblastoma (a childhood cancer), or other adrenal or nerve-related disorders. It helps guide treatment decisions by identifying hormone imbalances early.
How often should I get this test? Your doctor will determine the frequency based on your symptoms and medical history.
Is there any preparation needed besides collecting urine? Yes, ensure you follow the 24-hour urine collection instructions precisely to avoid errors.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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