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24-Hour Urine Vanillylmandelic Acid and Creatinine Panel

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures vanillylmandelic acid, a catecholamine breakdown product, in urine collected for 24 hours. Urine creatinine helps assess the completeness of the collection.

Quick summary

["This test can help evaluate whether a catecholamine-producing tumor may be present."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43099-1
Short code
VMA + Creat Pnl 24h Ur
Synonyms
VMA + Creat Pnl 24h Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 this test?

This 24-hour urine test measures vanillylmandelic acid, also called VMA, which is a breakdown product of catecholamine hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine. It may also include urine creatinine, which helps show whether the urine collection was complete.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be ordered to investigate symptoms that could be related to excess catecholamines, especially in children being evaluated for neuroblastoma or in people with symptoms of pheochromocytoma. It is usually interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, and other laboratory tests.

How is the test performed?

Urine is collected into a special container for a full 24-hour period. The start time, end time, and any missed samples must be recorded, and the container is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully and tell the care team about medicines, supplements, and recent illness. Some labs recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for the collection period because they may affect catecholamine metabolite results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

24-Hour Urine VMA and Creatinine

Frequently asked questions

What does VMA measure?
VMA is a substance formed when the body breaks down catecholamine hormones. Measuring it in a 24-hour urine collection can help evaluate suspected excess catecholamine production.
Why is creatinine included?
Urine creatinine helps assess whether the full 24-hour urine sample was collected. A low creatinine may suggest that the collection was incomplete or that urine production was low.
Can this test diagnose a tumor?
No. An abnormal result may point toward a possible cause, but diagnosis usually requires the overall clinical picture and confirmatory or imaging tests.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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