What is Vanillylmandelic acid test?

The vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) test is primarily used to detect and rule out tumors called neuroblastomas in children with an abdominal mass or other symptoms suggestive of the disease.

What does elevated VMA mean?

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and other catecholamine metabolites (homovanillic acid: HVA and dopamine) are typically elevated in patients with catecholamine-secreting tumors (eg, neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and other neural crest tumors).

How do you prepare for a Vanillylmandelic acid test?

The patient should not consume foods or fluids high in caffeine (coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate) for 48 hr before testing. The patient should not consume any foods or fluids containing vanilla or licorice.

What is normal range of VMA?

VMA: 2 to 7 milligrams (mg)/24 hours (10 to 35 mcmol/24 hours)

How do you diagnose pheochromocytoma?

Blood and urine analysis can confirm a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma by detecting elevated levels of catecholamines or its metabolites in the urine and blood (plasma). Metabolites are the byproducts of catecholamines that are produced when the body breaks down (metabolizes) catecholamines.

What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?

Plasma free metanephrines constitute the best test for excluding or confirming pheochromocytoma and should be the test of first choice for diagnosis of the tumor. A negative test result virtually excludes pheochromocytoma.

What is a 5hiaa urine test?

5-HIAA is a urine test that measures the amount of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). 5-HIAA is a breakdown product of a hormone called serotonin. This test tells how much 5-HIAA the body is producing. It is also a way to measure how much serotonin is in the body.

What does high levels of Metanephrine in urine mean?

Elevated levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine when you have signs and symptoms suggest the presence of a tumor. Generally, two times the upper limit of normal is considered positive for total metanephrine.

What should I avoid before a 24 hour urine test?

For 24 hours prior to collecting the specimen, you should avoid strenuous exercise as well as the following substances and drugs:

• Acetaminophen.
• Alcohol.
• Antihistamines.
• Aspirin.
• Caffeine.
• Vitamin B.

What can you not eat on a 24 hour urine test?

To the best extent possible, avoid using vitamins, coffee, alcoholic beverages, salt and vanilla-containing foods for at least 24 hours before you start collecting the 24-hour urine and during the entire collection period.

What is the vanillylmandelic acid test used for?

The Vanillylmandelic Acid Test is a urine test that measures the levels of vanillylmandelic acid in urine. It is useful in detecting cancers of the adrenal gland and nervous system, along with other neuroendocrine disorders What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test?

When does vanillylmandelic acid show up in urine?

VMA is excreted through the urine Metanephrines may also appear in the urine during excessive catecholamine production, particularly in disease states, such as pheochromocytoma Vanillylmandelic acid is thus a useful indicator for the catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Is there a urine test for urinary homovanillic acid?

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some neuroblastoma patients are positive for urinary homovanillic acid abnormality but do not excrete increased VMA.

How is vanillylmandelic acid eliminated from the body?

Both the hormones and their metabolites are eliminated from the body in the urine. VMA is usually present in the urine in small fluctuating amounts that only increase appreciably during and shortly after the body is exposed to a stressor.