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HelpTest Code VMACR Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)/Creatinine Ratio, Random, Urine
Additional Codes
Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Orderable: VMA/Creatinine Ratio
AllScripts (AEHR) Orderable: VMA/Creatinine Ratio
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics' Nichols Institute, Inc. - Chantilly
Methodology
High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Reference Values
See report.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82570 - creatinine
84585 - VMA
LONIC: 3124-5
Physician Office Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: Urine container
Specimen: 10 mL from a random urine collection (5 mL min)
Transport Temperature: Frozen
Stability: Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Note: pH adjusted to <3.0 using 6N HCl Urine without preservative is acceptable if pH is below 6 and the sample is shipped frozen.
Patient Preparation
It is preferable for the patient to be off medications for three days prior to collection. However, common antihypertensives (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta blockers) cause minimal or no interference. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco (including use of nicotine patch), bananas, citrus fruits and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Computer Interface Code
PDM # 5901380
Used For
Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is the major urinary product resulting from the metabolic degradation of catecholamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Elevated concentrations of VMA are commonly found in cases of catecholamine secreting tumors such as pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma.