: Vanillylmandelic Acid Measurement
: This test measures vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), a breakdown product of the body's stress hormones, typically in a urine sample collected over 24 hours. It is most often used to help screen for or monitor certain rare tumors of the adrenal gland.
[": VMA testing helps detect or follow rare adrenal tumors by measuring a hormone breakdown product, usually in a 24-hour urine collection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79911-4
- Short code
- MV med ann e-prime Vmax TDI.A4C
- Synonyms
- MV med ann e-prime Vmax TDI.A4C
- 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-a-c
- 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
: What Is Being Measured
: Vanillylmandelic acid, or VMA, is a substance the body makes when it breaks down catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress. Measuring VMA gives your care team an indirect look at how much of these hormones your body is producing.
: Why the Test Is Ordered
: Your provider may order a VMA test if you have symptoms that could point to a catecholamine-producing tumor, such as pheochromocytoma or, in children, neuroblastoma. Symptoms can include episodes of high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, headaches, or anxiety. The test may also be used to monitor someone already diagnosed with one of these tumors.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: VMA is most commonly measured in urine gathered over a full 24-hour period, because hormone levels can rise and fall throughout the day. In some cases a single urine sample or a blood sample may be used. Your care team will give you specific instructions, which often include avoiding certain foods or medicines beforehand.
: What Affects Your Results
: Results can be influenced by stress, strenuous exercise, and by foods such as bananas, chocolate, coffee, and citrus, as well as some medications. Because many factors can raise or lower VMA, an abnormal result does not by itself confirm a diagnosis, and repeat or additional testing is often needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: VMA testing is a supportive screening and monitoring tool rather than a stand-alone diagnosis. Elevated levels may suggest a catecholamine-producing tumor, but results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, other hormone tests, and imaging. Normal results do not always rule out disease, and borderline results may prompt repeat testing. Your provider will explain what your result means in your specific situation.
Short name
: VMA
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to change my diet before this test?
: Is a single urine sample enough?
: Does an abnormal result mean I have a tumor?
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