Catecholamines, Fractionated, Urinary Free and Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), 24-Hour Urine

TEST: 286161
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CPT: 82384; 84585
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Synonyms

  • Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) and Catecholamines, Fractionated, Urinary Free
  • VMA and Catecholamines

Test Includes

Total free catecholamines (norepinephrine plus epinephrine, urine); vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), urine; urinary epinephrine, urinary norepinephrine, urinary dopamine

Special Instructions

Include 24-hour total urine volume on the test request form and the date and time collection started and finished. Note: If original container is received with pH >3, but <5, adjust pH to <3 with 6N HCl.

Expected Turnaround Time

6 - 9 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Information

Related Documents

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Urine (24-hour)

Volume

60 mL aliquot

Container

Plastic urine container with 30 mL 6N HCl. Caution: Strong acid. LabCorp item number for this container is N° 21584.

Collection

Preservative must be added to the container prior to the start of collection. Collect 24-hour urine. Mix well. Send 60 mL aliquot. Record total 24-hour urine volume on test request form. Final pH must be <5. Note: Do not use boric acid or acetic acid as a preservative.

Refer to the Preservative Quick Reference Chart in Specimen Collection: Urine Specimens.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate

Patient Preparation

Causes for Rejection

Specimen with no preservatives; original container with pH >5; boric acid or acetic acid used as a preservative

Test Details

Use

Collection is of greatest value for evaluation of hypertension if performed during a hypertensive episode. Test is used to evaluate hypertension, especially if paroxysmal and to evaluate orthostatic hypertension. Test is also useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and in the diagnosis and follow-up of neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroblastoma, retinoblastomas, carcinoid tumors, carotid body tumors, and stress. Preoperative evaluation of neoplasia of childhood, especially when the tumor is in or about the adrenals. Evaluate multiple endocrine adenomatosis. Evaluate patient with medullary carcinoma of thyroid (for coexistent pheochromocytoma).

Methodology

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004144 VMA, Urine mg/L 9624-8
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004145 VMA, Urine, 24hr mg/24 hr 3122-9
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004193 Epinephrine, Urine ug/L 11046-0
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004194 Epinephrine, U, 24hr ug/24 hr 2232-7
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004201 Norepinephrine, Ur ug/L 2667-4
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004202 Norepinephrine,U,24h ug/24 hr 2668-2
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004203 Dopamine, Urine ug/L 2217-8
286161 Catecholamine+VMA, 24-Hr Urine 004204 Dopamine, Ur, 24hr ug/24 hr 2218-6

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