Catecholamines, Fractionated, Urinary Free and Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), 24-Hour Urine

Also known as: Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) and Catecholamines, Fractionated, Urinary Free, VMA and Catecholamines

Clinical Use

Use

Collection is of greatest value for evaluation of hypertension if performed during a hypertensive episode. Test is used to evaluate hypertension, especially if paroxysmal and to evaluate orthostatic hypertension. Test is also useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and in the diagnosis and follow-up of neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma, retinoblastomas, carcinoid tumors, carotid body tumors, and stress. Preoperative evaluation of neoplasia of childhood, especially when the tumor is in or about the adrenals. Evaluate multiple endocrine adenomatosis. Evaluate patient with medullary carcinoma of thyroid (for coexistent pheochromocytoma).

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The test requires a 24-hour urine specimen with appropriate preservative (6N HCl) to ensure stability and accuracy. Specimens collected without the correct preservative or with incorrect pH may be rejected. Furthermore, the test results can be influenced by improper collection techniques or incomplete 24-hour specimen collection. Boric acid or acetic acid should not be used as preservatives as they do not adequately stabilize the specimen for analysis. Additionally, medications or dietary factors that affect catecholamine levels may influence results, potentially leading to false positives or negatives.

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

5 targets

DopamineEpinephrineNorepinephrineTotal free catecholaminesVanillylmandelic acid (VMA)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

9624-8 - VMA Ur-mCnc
3122-9 - VMA 24h Ur-mRate
11046-0 - Epineph Ur-mCnc
2232-7 - Epineph 24h Ur-mRate
2667-4 - Norepineph Ur-mCnc
2668-2 - Norepineph 24h Ur-mRate
2217-8 - DOPamine Ur-mCnc
2218-6 - DOPamine 24h Ur-mRate

Result Codes

9624-8 - VMA Ur-mCnc
3122-9 - VMA 24h Ur-mRate
11046-0 - Epineph Ur-mCnc
2232-7 - Epineph 24h Ur-mRate
2667-4 - Norepineph Ur-mCnc
2668-2 - Norepineph 24h Ur-mRate
2217-8 - DOPamine Ur-mCnc
2218-6 - DOPamine 24h Ur-mRate

Result Turnaround Time

6-9 days

Specimen

Urine

Volume

60 mL aliquot

Minimum Volume

Not provided

Container

Plastic urine container with 30 mL 6N HCl

Collection Instructions

Preservative must be added to the container prior to the start of collection. Collect 24-hour urine. Mix well. Send 60 mL aliquot. Record total 24-hour urine volume on test request form. Final pH must be <5. Note: Do not use boric acid or acetic acid as a preservative.