Vanillylmandelic Acid, Urine
Abbrev Code: | VMA | ||
Order Code: | LAB452 | Order Name: | VMA Urine |
Synonyms: | Vanillylmandelic Acid, Urine, Filter Paper; VMA, Urine, Filter Paper; VMA, Urine | ||
Methodology: | Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry | ||
CPT Codes: | 84585 x1 | ||
Turnaround Time: | Performed Mon-Fri; results are reported the next day. | ||
Special Instructions: | Contact the Biochemical Genetics laboratory at 612-273-5059 to obtain a filter paper urine collection kit. | ||
Associated Links: |
Collection Instructions
Specimen: | Urine, random collection, 24 hr collection, or urine absorbed onto filter paper |
Optimal Volume: | Submit entire collection; analysis requires 2 mL |
Container: | Plastic leakproof container, sterile Alternate Containers: Urine filter paper, 3 L plastic jug |
Collection Instructions: |
If using filter paper to obtain collection, obtain filter paper urine collection kit from laboratory. The kit includes one 10 x 10 cm absorbent filter paper, patient identification form, and directions for specimen collection. Collect as follows:
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Patient Preparation: | Drugs such as L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine are metabolized to HVA and VMA and will fictitiously elevate their levels in the urine. Therefore, the patient should not be on such drugs when collecting the urine. |
Causes for Rejection: | Insufficient amount of urine on the filter paper. |
Processing and Shipping
Specimen Processing: | Aliquot 5 mL, 2 mL minimum. Store urine in refrigerator. Store filter paper at room temperature. |
Shipping Instructions: | Ship urine at refrigerated temperature. Ship dry filter paper via regular US mail at room temperature. Express mail is recommended. Place the request form and dry filter paper in separate plastic transport bags prior to mailing. |
Test Performed at or Referral Lab | Biochemical Genetics (UMMC East Bank) |
Interpretive
Reference Range: |
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Use: | Diagnosis and monitoring treatment of neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. The combination of HVA and VMA will give the positive diagnosis in 92% of cases of neuroblastoma. More than 90% of patients with pheochromocytoma will have an elevated VMA. If both VMA and metanephrines are tested, >98% of patients with pheochromocytomas will be detected. |
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