Serum or plasma total vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) concentration

What Is VMA Used For?

Doctors may order this test to evaluate adrenal gland health, especially if you have symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor affecting hormone production) or neuroblastoma (a childhood cancer affecting nerves and adrenal glands).

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure VMA levels. The test can be done on either serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) or plasma (liquid part after blood is separated).

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?

High VMA levels may suggest overproduction of certain hormones linked to adrenal tumors or neuroblastoma. Low levels could indicate adrenal insufficiency or other metabolic issues. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider, as they’ll consider your full medical history and symptoms.

What Do My Results Mean?

Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your lab. While these ranges can vary slightly, abnormal results may trigger further testing or follow-up to investigate potential underlying conditions.