VMA Excretion
The VMA excretion test measures vanillylmandelic acid in urine. It helps assess abnormal catecholamine breakdown linked to certain hormone-secreting tumours.
Turnaround time
6 days
Biomarkers count
1
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Details about VMA Excretion
What is the VMA Excretion test?
The VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid) Excretion test measures the amount of VMA eliminated in urine, usually over a 24-hour urine collection. VMA is the main end-product of adrenaline and noradrenaline metabolism.
Because catecholamines fluctuate throughout the day, urine testing provides a more reliable assessment than a single blood sample. Elevated VMA levels suggest increased catecholamine production in the body.
Clinically, this test is most commonly used in the investigation of pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and neuroblastoma, as well as in the evaluation of unexplained hypertension or adrenergic symptoms.
Why do I need a test for VMA Excretion?
Excess catecholamine production can cause significant cardiovascular and neurological symptoms and may indicate an underlying tumour of the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system.
VMA testing helps identify or exclude these conditions and supports further diagnostic pathways when symptoms are suggestive but non-specific. It is often requested alongside other catecholamine or metanephrine tests.
You may need a VMA Excretion test if you experience:
- Persistent or episodic high blood pressure
- Severe headaches
- Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety or panic-like episodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Suspected neuroendocrine tumours
- Monitoring of known catecholamine-secreting tumours
Benefits of the VMA Excretion test
- Supports tumour investigation
Useful in assessing suspected pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma. - Assesses catecholamine metabolism
Reflects breakdown of adrenaline and noradrenaline. - Non-invasive testing method
Uses urine rather than blood sampling. - Reduces diagnostic uncertainty
Helps differentiate hormonal causes of symptoms. - Supports hypertension evaluation
Useful when high blood pressure is unexplained. - Monitors disease progression
Can be used to track treatment response in known cases. - Provides integrated metabolic insight
More stable measurement than single blood catecholamines. - Guides further specialist testing
Helps determine need for imaging or endocrine referral.
Step-by-step – How we offer this test
Option 1: Clinic-based test (UK-wide)
- Choose your nearest UK clinic
- Collect your urine container
- Complete a 24-hour urine collection at home
- Return the sample to the clinic for analysis
Option 2: Home or hotel service (+£60, UK-wide)
- A phlebotomist delivers the collection kit
- Instructions provided for 24-hour urine collection
- Sample collected from your location
- Sent to the laboratory for analysis
Your results explained
Low VMA levels
Low VMA levels are generally not clinically significant and usually indicate normal or low catecholamine turnover.
UK reference range (low):
- < 10 µmol/24 hours
Low results rarely require further investigation.
Normal VMA levels
Normal levels suggest typical catecholamine metabolism with no biochemical evidence of excess production.
UK reference range (normal):
- 10 – 35 µmol/24 hours
Within this range, catecholamine-secreting tumours are unlikely.
High VMA levels
High VMA levels indicate increased catecholamine breakdown and may suggest a hormone-secreting tumour or severe physiological stress.
UK reference range (high):
- > 35 µmol/24 hours
Elevated results usually prompt further endocrine testing and imaging.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
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Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
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WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.