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Test Code VMACR Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)/Creatinine Ratio, Random, Urine

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

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Physician Office Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Urine container

Specimen:  10 mL from a random urine collection (5 mL min)

Transport Temperature:  Frozen

 

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.

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.