VMA Excretion
Private VMA Excretion testing in London for £218.99, measuring one 24-hour urinary catecholamine metabolite with results expected in around 5 days.
Turnaround time
5 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the VMA Excretion Test
The VMA Excretion test measures vanillylmandelic acid in a 24-hour urine collection, providing specialist information about the breakdown of catecholamines produced by the adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system.
The test assesses 1 specialist urinary biomarker: VMA Excretion.
Vanillylmandelic acid, commonly abbreviated to VMA, is a major breakdown product of the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline.
These hormones are produced principally by the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system.
After catecholamines are metabolised, VMA is excreted into urine.
Measuring VMA over a 24-hour period can therefore provide information about overall catecholamine metabolism rather than one isolated blood concentration.
Historically, VMA testing has been used during investigation of catecholamine-producing tumours, including phaeochromocytoma and selected neuroblastomas.
Modern investigation often also uses plasma or urinary Metanephrines because these can provide greater diagnostic sensitivity for phaeochromocytoma.
VMA nevertheless remains a specialist biochemical investigation in selected clinical pathways.
The accuracy of the result depends heavily on completing the full 24-hour urine collection correctly.
Missing even one significant urine sample can alter the measured total excretion.
Diet, medicines and physiological stress can also influence catecholamine-related measurements.
The test should therefore be interpreted alongside symptoms, medication history and other biochemical or imaging investigations where appropriate.
What Does the VMA Excretion Test Check?
The test measures urinary vanillylmandelic acid, a metabolic breakdown product of adrenaline and noradrenaline. This test measures 1 specialist biomarker.
VMA Excretion
Measures vanillylmandelic acid excreted in a 24-hour urine collection, supporting specialist investigation of abnormal catecholamine production.
Who May Benefit From the VMA Excretion Test?
VMA testing is principally used where abnormal catecholamine production is being investigated under clinical guidance.
People undergoing investigation for a catecholamine-producing tumour - VMA can provide information about adrenaline and noradrenaline metabolism.
People with a previous abnormal VMA result - Repeat testing can help confirm whether increased excretion persists.
People with episodic symptoms suggestive of catecholamine excess - Specialist investigation may include urinary catecholamine metabolites.
People undergoing investigation for phaeochromocytoma - VMA may complement Metanephrines and other adrenal investigations.
Children undergoing specialist investigation for neuroblastoma - Catecholamine metabolites can be relevant in selected paediatric pathways.
People with an adrenal mass under specialist assessment - Biochemical testing can help determine whether a lesion is hormonally active.
People with unexplained episodic hypertension under endocrine assessment - Catecholamine testing can be considered when the clinical pattern is appropriate.
People specifically advised to complete a 24-hour VMA collection - Correct collection is essential for meaningful interpretation.
How to Prepare
The specialist laboratory requires a correctly completed 24-hour urine collection using the appropriate preservative and specimen container.
If a substantial urine sample is missed during the collection, contact the clinic because the test may need to be restarted.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the VMA Excretion Test
Symptoms associated with catecholamine excess can occur in episodes and overlap with many more common conditions.
Episodes of severe or difficult-to-control high blood pressure - Catecholamine excess can produce marked blood-pressure changes.
Recurrent pounding headaches - Headache can occur during catecholamine surges.
Palpitations or rapid heartbeat - Adrenaline and noradrenaline can strongly stimulate the cardiovascular system.
Episodes of heavy sweating - Sudden sweating can occur with catecholamine release.
Tremor or marked shakiness - Sympathetic nervous-system stimulation can produce tremor.
An adrenal mass found on imaging - Specialist biochemical testing can establish whether excess catecholamine production is present.
A previous abnormal Metanephrine or catecholamine result - VMA can provide complementary information in selected investigations.
These symptoms are not specific to phaeochromocytoma or another catecholamine-producing tumour.
Severe hypertension, chest pain, collapse or acute cardiovascular symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
How to Book Your VMA Excretion Test
The VMA Excretion test can be booked privately for specialist assessment of urinary catecholamine metabolism.
Choose the VMA Excretion
Select the individual VMA Excretion urine test online.
Receive your collection materials
Obtain the specialist 24-hour urine container and collection instructions.
Complete the urine collection
Collect all required urine during the defined 24-hour period and record the total volume as instructed.
Laboratory analysis
The required urine aliquot undergoes specialist measurement of VMA Excretion.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside Metanephrines, catecholamines and other adrenal investigations where appropriate.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The specialist laboratory turnaround for VMA Excretion is approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
This is a specialist biochemical urine assay rather than a routine urine test.
Laboratory processing begins once the correctly collected specimen and required total-volume information reach the laboratory.
Incorrect or incomplete 24-hour collection can delay testing or require recollection.
Understanding Your Results
A raised VMA result indicates increased urinary excretion of this catecholamine metabolite.
Marked elevation can occur with catecholamine-producing tumours, but the result is not diagnostic by itself.
Medication, physiological stress and collection conditions can also affect catecholamine-related measurements.
A result within the laboratory range makes substantial VMA excess less likely during that collection period.
However, modern assessment of suspected phaeochromocytoma often gives particular importance to plasma or urinary Metanephrines.
The laboratory reference interval should be used rather than unrelated online ranges.
Where clinical suspicion remains significant despite a normal result, additional endocrine investigation may be required.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private access to specialist 24-hour urinary VMA measurement.
Measures a catecholamine metabolite - VMA reflects metabolism of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Uses a 24-hour urine collection - The result assesses excretion over a complete daily period.
Relevant to specialist adrenal investigation - VMA can form part of assessment for abnormal catecholamine production.
Can complement Metanephrines - Modern adrenal investigations may use several related biochemical markers.
Specialist collection materials provided - Correct urine collection is essential for reliable testing.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples undergo dedicated biochemical processing.
Suitable for clinician-directed endocrine assessment - The result can be incorporated into wider adrenal investigations.
Clear pricing - The VMA Excretion test costs £218.99.
Private VMA Excretion Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private VMA Excretion testing for people requiring specialist assessment of catecholamine metabolism.
The test costs £218.99 and measures 1 specialist urinary biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
The test requires a correctly completed 24-hour urine collection and should be interpreted alongside the wider endocrine assessment.