Vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA)
| Category | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Test background |
VMA is one of the metabolites of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Catecholamines are a group of similar hormones produced in the adrenal medulla. |
| Clinical Indications |
Neuroblastomas are rare cancers occurring primarily in infants 1 to 2 years old, with up to 90 % of cases occurring in children under the age of 5. The VMA test is basically used to detect neuroblastomas in children who have abdominal mass or other symptoms that are associated with the disease. |
| Reference range | See report |
| Sample & container required | Random urine |
| Sample volume | 5 mL |
| Turnaround time | Up to 6 weeks |
| Notes | Not currently performed in house; this is a referred test. |