VMA – Vanillylmandelic Acid

At IntroLab in Belgrade, we provide comprehensive analysis of VMA – vanillylmandelic acid, enabling you to better understand your health and take necessary actions.

What is VMA –vanillylmandelic acid?

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a final product of the metabolism of adrenaline and noradrenaline, two crucial hormones in the human body. This acid is primarily excreted through urine, and its levels can indicate various conditions related to the endocrine system.

Why is measuring VMA important?

Measuring VMA levels is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring certain types of adrenal gland tumors, such as pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. These tumors often produce higher amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased VMA levels. Therefore, this test helps detect these conditions and monitor the effects of treatment.

When is this test necessary?

A VMA test is usually performed when there is a suspicion of adrenal gland tumors. Suspicion may arise from symptoms such as:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Excessive sweating
• Sudden panic attacks

Additionally, the test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

How are the results interpreted?

Elevated VMA levels typically suggest the presence of adrenal gland tumors. However, other factors such as stress, physical activity, or certain medications can also cause increased VMA levels.

Decreased VMA levels usually do not indicate any specific condition and are generally not clinically significant.

Preparation for the test

The day before you start collecting urine, ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking approximately 1.5 liters of water. The urine collection process lasts for 24 hours and begins by discarding the first morning urine. Collect all subsequent urine samples until the first morning urine of the next day. Store all samples in a plastic container kept in a cool place throughout the collection period. After completing the 24-hour collection, deliver the sample to the laboratory for analysis. It is recommended to also measure the creatinine level in the same sample to confirm proper urine collection.

Which medications can cause a false positive test?

Several medications can result in false-positive VMA test results. These include aspirin, carbidopa (a peripheral DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), which are involved in the breakdown of catecholamines. Additionally, consuming certain herbal remedies and natural substances, such as caffeine, can affect the test results.

Before collecting urine, you should avoid intense physical activity and the consumption of coffee, chocolate, and bananas. If you are using any of these medications or substances, it is important to inform your doctor or medical biochemist prior to the test.

Subtypes of VMA – vanillylmandelic acid test

The primary method for analyzing VMA is the 24-hour urine test. Additionally, a plasma test can be conducted, though it is less common and mainly used when there is a suspicion of very rare types of tumors.