Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Test To Detect Tumours

The Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) test is a simple urine test used to detect certain tumours, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma, by measuring the levels of VMA, a breakdown product of adrenaline and noradrenaline, in the urine.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test

Here are the basic details of the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Also Known As	VMA Test
Type	Urine test
Purpose	Detect certain tumors
Sample Type	Urine
Preparation	Usually none required
Fasting	Not typically required
Gender	All
Age Group	All
Normal Value	0-6 mg/g CRT (18+)
Reporting Time	Within 24 hrs
Cost	1500-3500 INR*

*Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Means

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Measures Vanillylmandelic acid levels in urine.

Detects certain tumours, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.
Helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of these tumors.
Elevated VMA levels indicate tumor presence.
Simple urine test, often part of a larger workup.
It is important for assessing adrenal and neural tumours.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Purpose

The purpose of the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test is to:

Measures vanillylmandelic acid levels in urine.
Detects certain tumours, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.
Helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of these tumors.
Elevated VMA levels indicate tumor presence.
Simple urine test, often part of a larger workup.
Important for assessing adrenal and neural tumours.

Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Before Test

Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking.
Follow any specific dietary or medication restrictions, if advised.

During Test

Provide a urine sample as instructed by the healthcare provider or lab technician.
Cooperate with the sample collection process, which is generally straightforward.

After Test

Resume normal activities immediately; there are typically no post-test restrictions.
Await test results, and follow up with your healthcare provider for interpretation and guidance if needed.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Procedure

Here is the basic Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Procedure.

You'll receive a container for urine collection.
Urinate into the container as instructed.
Ensure the container is properly sealed.
Provide the sample to the healthcare provider or lab technician.
The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Await the test results and follow up with your healthcare provider for interpretation.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Result

Here is the basic meaning of Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Result.

Elevated VMA levels in urine may suggest the presence of certain tumors.
Normal results typically fall within a laboratory-specific reference range.
Consult with your healthcare provider for an interpretation of your specific results.
Abnormal results may prompt further testing and evaluation for tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Age Group	Normal VMA Level Range (mg/g CRT)
0-2 years	0-27
3-5 years	0-13
6-17 years	0-9
18 years and older	0-6

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

VMA Level (mg/g CRT)	Interpretation
Normal Range	VMA levels within the normal range for the respective age group.
High	Elevated VMA levels above the normal range, which may suggest the need for further evaluation, especially if clinical symptoms are present.
Low	Uncommon, but abnormally low VMA levels can also be observed in some medical conditions and may warrant further investigation.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of Vanillylmandelic Acid Test High Levels.

Potential Causes	Information
Neuroblastoma	Elevated VMA levels may indicate neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects nerve tissue in children. Further tests and imaging are needed for diagnosis.
Pheochromocytoma	High VMA levels may be associated with pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that develops in the adrenal glands, leading to excess catecholamine production. Additional tests are necessary for diagnosis.
Stress or Anxiety	Emotional and physical stress can temporarily elevate VMA levels, but they typically return to normal after the stressor is resolved.
Medications	Certain medications, like monoamine oxidase inhibitors, can influence VMA levels. Your healthcare provider should be aware of your medication history.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Low Levels.

Potential Causes	Information
Diet	A diet low in specific foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may result in reduced VMA levels.
Underlying Health Conditions	Rarely, low VMA levels can be associated with specific medical conditions. Consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary for evaluation and diagnosis.

Specimen Requirements For Vanillylmandelic Acid Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Specimen	Urine (24-hour)
Volume	4 mL aliquot
Container	Plastic urine container, no preservative (preferred), or acidic preservative
Collection	Instruct the patient to void at 8 AM and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine, including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24-hour collection period
Storage	Vanillylmandelic acid is *stable* at room temperature unpreserved for seven days.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	7 days
	Refrigerated	14 days
	Frozen	14 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x3
Causes for Rejection	Patient should avoid salicylates, caffeine, phenothiazine, and antihypertension agents. Also coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test is Safe?

The Vanillylmandelic Acid Test is generally safe and minimally invasive.

Involves a simple urine sample collection.
No known major risks or complications associated.

When Do You Get Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Results?

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test results come within a few days to a week.
The exact reporting time may vary by the laboratory.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

May yield false results if dietary restrictions aren't followed.
Elevated VMA levels can occur due to factors other than tumors, such as medications.
Test results provide indirect evidence of tumors, requiring further diagnostic tests for confirmation.
Sensitivity and specificity may vary based on the laboratory and methods used.
Not suitable for all tumor types; other tests may be needed for a comprehensive evaluation.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Risk of dietary restrictions not being followed, leading to inaccurate results.
Potential for false-positive or false-negative results due to factors other than tumors.
Discomfort during urine collection for some individuals.
Minimal risk of sample contamination during handling and transport.
Variation in test accuracy among different laboratories.

Doctor Recommendations After Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Vanillylmandelic Acid Test.

Test Results	Doctor to Consult	Reason to Visit
High	Endocrinologist	Evaluate potential neuroendocrine tumor.
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine health assessment, no specific concern.
Low	Primary Care Physician	Further evaluation for potential issues.

Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Price

Here are the estimated Vanillylmandelic Acid Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	1500-3500
New Delhi	1700-3500
Bangalore	1500-3500
Hyderabad	1700-3500
Kolkata	1500-3500
Pune	1700-3500
Lucknow	1500-3500
Noida	1700-3500
Surat	1700-3500
Gurugram	1500-3500
Patna	1700-3500
Chennai	1500-3500
Jaipur	1700-3500
Ahmedabad	1500-3500

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Vanillylmandelic Acid Test helps detect tumors through urine analysis, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions for adrenal and neural tumors. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Vanillylmandelic Acid - Wikipedia [1].
Analysis of vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid by UPLC-MS/MS in serum for diagnostic testing for neuroblastoma - NIH [2].

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Vanillylmandelic Acid Test FAQ

What is the purpose of the VMA blood test?

The VMA blood test is not common; VMA is typically measured in urine. The test helps detect and monitor neuroendocrine tumors, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.

How do you prepare for a vanillylmandelic acid test?

To prepare for a vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) test, avoid certain foods and medications before collection. Your doctor may provide specific instructions, often including restrictions on coffee, chocolate, and certain drugs.

What causes high VMA in urine?

Elevated VMA levels in urine may indicate neuroendocrine tumors, stress, medications, or certain foods. Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, can also cause increased VMA excretion.

What happens if VMA is high?

A high VMA result suggests potential neuroendocrine tumor activity. Further diagnostic tests and imaging may be needed to confirm the presence and location of the tumor. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment.