24-Hour Urinary Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Excretion
This test measures the amount of vanillylmandelic acid, a breakdown product of certain hormones, in your urine over 24 hours. It helps assess whether your body is producing too much of these hormones, which can be linked to conditions like pheochromocytoma.
["Helps diagnose hormone-related conditions by tracking hormone metabolism in urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18098-4
- Short code
- MV Orifice area.minor axis.min 2D US
- Synonyms
- MV Orifice area.minor axis.min 2D US
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-d
- CPT
- 82378
- SNOMED
- 394995008
- 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 this test if they suspect an issue with hormone production, such as tumors (like pheochromocytoma) that release excess adrenaline or norepinephrine. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress for known conditions affecting these hormones.
How the Test Works
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period in a clean container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure VMA levels, which reflect how much of these hormones your body has broken down.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but drink plenty of water to help flush your system. Avoid certain medications (like some blood pressure drugs) that might affect results—check with your doctor first.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll collect urine in a container throughout the day, discarding the first morning urine and saving all subsequent samples. The test is painless and takes time to complete rather than a quick lab draw.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL; Smokers: <5.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated VMA levels may indicate overproduction of adrenaline or norepinephrine, often due to tumors in the adrenal glands or other hormone-producing tissues. Low levels could suggest other metabolic or genetic conditions. Results help guide treatment decisions, such as surgery or medication adjustments.
Short name
VMA Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does it mean if my VMA levels are high?
Can I drink alcohol before 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