Vanillylmandelic Acid/Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that measures VMA, a catecholamine breakdown product, relative to creatinine to help evaluate possible hormone-producing tumors.
["This test can help screen for tumors that produce catecholamines, particularly in children being evaluated for neuroblastoma."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110470-2
- Short code
- VMA/Creat Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- VMA/Creat Msmt Ur
- Category
- kidney
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) in urine compared with the amount of creatinine in the same sample. VMA is a breakdown product of catecholamines, which are hormones made by the nervous system and adrenal glands.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to help evaluate unexplained symptoms that could be caused by a catecholamine-producing tumor. It is most commonly associated with screening for neuroblastoma in children and may also be used in the evaluation of pheochromocytoma or other rare tumors.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory for VMA and creatinine. The laboratory may calculate a VMA-to-creatinine ratio, which helps account for differences in urine concentration. Your clinician will tell you whether a single urine sample or a timed collection is required.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, including how much urine to collect and the collection time. Fasting is usually not required, but certain medicines and foods can affect VMA results, so tell your clinician about medications, supplements, and recent dietary changes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected VMA-to-creatinine ratio may suggest that the body is producing and releasing increased amounts of catecholamines. This can occur with neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and other rare catecholamine-producing tumors. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, other laboratory tests, and imaging because VMA can also be affected by medications and collection factors.
Short name
Urine VMA/Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
What is VMA?
Why is creatinine included in the test?
Does an abnormal result mean I definitely 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