24-Hour Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Urine Test
This test measures the amount of a specific chemical called vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is processing certain hormones, particularly those linked to the adrenal glands.
["Helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting hormone production in the adrenal glands."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26003-4
- Short code
- VMA 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- VMA 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, high blood pressure, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used to check for conditions such as neuroblastoma (a type of childhood cancer) or adrenal gland tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period. Start by emptying your bladder completely at the beginning of the test, then collect every urine sample in a container until you finish at the end of the day. Keep the samples refrigerated if possible.
What Happens During the Test?
No special procedure is needed during the test itself. Your collected urine samples are sent to a lab for analysis. The lab measures the total VMA in your urine over the 24-hour period.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are compared to a reference range provided by your healthcare provider. High levels may suggest certain hormonal or cancer-related conditions, while low levels might indicate other issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is primarily used to evaluate adrenal gland function and detect abnormalities in hormone metabolism. Elevated VMA levels can be associated with conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) or neuroblastoma. It’s not a standalone test but often used alongside other diagnostic tests for a complete assessment.
Short name
VMA Urine (24 hr)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low VMA level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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