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Test Code VMAR Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, Urine

Additional Codes

Epic Ordering Code LAB3040117
NBS code LBC13402
Service code 31988 

Reporting Name

Vanillylmandelic Acid, Random, U

Specimen Type

Urine


Ordering 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. For 24 hours prior to specimen collection, the patient should not take L-dopa.

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.


National University Hospital-Singapore Note:

NUH Outreach Laboratories:
Specimen Requirements
Submit the following:
Container: Plain Sterile Container
Processing Requirements
Adjust pH to pH 1-5. Aliquot urine into Mayo urine tube.
Specimen type: Urine
Volume: 5 mL
Storage/transport requirements: Frozen

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.

Specimen Minimum Volume

2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  180 days

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

2 to 4 days
National University Hospital-Singapore Note:

Please note that this is a referral test requiring transport to the external testing facility and an additional 3-5 days is required.

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

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

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

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

Secondary ID

60274

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.
National University Hospital-Singapore Additional Information:

Last updated 17/08/2026