24-Hour Urinary Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) with Maximum Rate of Excretion
This test measures how much of a specific breakdown product of certain hormones (catecholamines) appears in your urine over 24 hours, along with the highest rate at which it appears during that time.
["Helps assess adrenal gland function and detect potential hormone-related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81397-2
- Short code
- MV lat ann a-prime Vmax TDI
- Synonyms
- MV lat ann a-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
Doctors may order this test to check for conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor that produces excess hormones) or other adrenal-related disorders. It can also help evaluate symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, or sweating that may be linked to hormone imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for 24 hours, starting and ending at the same time each day. Drink plenty of fluids to help your urine flow freely. Avoid certain medications that might affect the results, and inform your doctor about any supplements or over-the-counter drugs you’re taking.
How the Test Works
Your urine is collected in a container over 24 hours. The lab analyzes the sample to measure vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), a waste product of hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. The test also looks at the highest rate at which VMA appears in your urine during that period.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results are compared to standard ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. High levels may suggest excess hormone production, while normal levels help rule out adrenal tumors or other conditions. Your doctor will discuss findings in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated VMA levels can indicate conditions like pheochromocytoma, which causes high blood pressure and other symptoms due to overproduction of catecholamines. Low or normal levels help confirm adrenal gland function is within a typical range, reducing suspicion of hormonal imbalances.
Short name
VMA 24h Max Rate
Frequently asked questions
What does a high VMA level mean?
What if my VMA level is within normal range?
Can diet or medications affect this test?
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