Test Background
VMA is one of the metabolites of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Catecholamines are a group of similar hormones produced in the adrenal medulla.
Clinical Indications
Neuroblastomas are rare cancers occurring primarily in infants 1 to 2 years old, with up to 90 % of cases occurring in children under the age of 5. The VMA test is basically used to detect neuroblastomas in children who have abdominal mass or other symptoms that are associated with the disease.
Reference Range
| See report |
Sample Required
Random urine
Sample Volume
5 mL
Turnaround Time
Up to 6 weeks
Notes
Not currently performed in house; this is a referred test.
Random catecholamines/metanephrines can be performed in house.