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HelpTest ID VMAR Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, Urine
Useful For
Screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors using a random urine collection when requesting vanillylmandelic acid only
Supporting a diagnosis of neuroblastoma
Monitoring patients with a treated neuroblastoma
Highlights
Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and other catecholamine metabolite, such as homovanillic acid (HVA), measurements in urine are used for screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors, such as neuroblastoma and other neural crest tumors, and monitoring those who have had treatment for these tumors.
More than 90% of individuals with neuroblastoma have elevated VMA or HVA.
VMA is not the analyte of choice for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, which is better detected by testing for metanephrines.
Treatment with L-dopa can impact test results and should be discontinued 24 hours prior to collection. Bactrim can impact test results and should be noted at time of collection.
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, USpecimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
In the past, this test has been used to screen for pheochromocytoma. However, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is not the analyte of choice to rule out a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Recommended tests for this purpose are:
-PMET / Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, Plasma
-METAF / Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour, Urine
-CATU / Catecholamine Fractionation, Free, 24 Hour, Urine
Necessary Information
1. Patient's age is required.
2. All patients receiving L-dopa should be identified to the laboratory when this test is ordered.
3. Bactrim may interfere with detection of the analyte. All patients taking Bactrim should be identified to the laboratory when this test is ordered.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Administration of L-dopa may falsely increase vanillylmandelic acid results; it should be discontinued 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. Adjust the random urine pH to a level between 1 and 5 by adding 50% acetic acid or hydrochloric acid dropwise and checking the pH.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 180 days |
Reference Values
<1 year: <25.0 mg/g creatinine
1 year: <22.5 mg/g creatinine
2-4 years: <16.0 mg/g creatinine
5-9 years: <12.0 mg/g creatinine
10-14 years: <8.0 mg/g creatinine
≥15 years (adults): <7.0 mg/g creatinine
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
84585
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| VMAR | Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, U | 3124-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 60274 | Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, U | 3124-5 |
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Report Available
3 to 5 daysNY State Approved
YesDisease States
- Neuroblastoma
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.