Serum or plasma concentration of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)
This test measures the amount of vanillylmandelic acid, a breakdown product of certain hormones, in your blood.
["VMA helps assess adrenal gland or neuroendocrine tumor activity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81383-2
- Short code
- MV ann s-prime Vmax TDI
- Synonyms
- MV ann s-prime Vmax TDI
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-tissue-doppler
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order a VMA test to check for conditions affecting hormone production, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal glands) or other neuroendocrine tumors. It’s often used alongside other tests like urine catecholamines or plasma metanephrines.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your test is part of a metabolic study. Bring your doctor’s instructions with you.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values depend on lab methods. High levels may suggest excess hormone production, while low levels could indicate a deficiency or other conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
VMA Level
Frequently asked questions
High VMA levels may indicate pheochromocytoma or other neuroendocrine tumors, which can cause symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, or sweating. Low levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency or other metabolic disorders.
A high VMA level could signal an overactive adrenal gland or a tumor producing excess hormones. Your doctor will review your symptoms and other test results to guide next steps, such as further imaging or treatment.
Yes, certain foods (like licorice or high-tyramine foods) may influence hormone metabolism. Follow fasting instructions precisely to avoid misleading results.
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