Vanillylmandelic Acid (Random Urine) Test

The Vanillylmandelic Acid or the VMA test is used to check the level of Vanillylmandelic Acid. The Vanillylmandelic level indicates the level of epinephrine & norepinephrine levels. This test is performed on a urine sample useful in detecting cancer-causing agents in adrenal glands and nervous system. Also, this test helps in detecting neuroendocrine disorders.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine reside with the hormone family known as catecholamine. Catecholamine is present in adrenal glands which are associated with kidney. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are liberated into the blood which increases the energy level of the body, triggers the speed of heartbeat making the transportation of energy to muscles and brains faster.

There are a few symptoms which need to observe before having the VMA test. The symptoms are:
>Heart rate irregularities
> Persistent anxiety
> Pale appearance
> Excessive sweating etc.

There is no specific preparation is required for VMA test. Just Urine sample is required for this test. Before having this test, you must tell your doctor about the type of medication you are having and also if you are having side effects towards any medicine. You also need to tell your doctor about the type of allergies you have, if there is any.

The VMA test is used as an indicator of few hormones associated with adrenal glands which are mentioned above. These hormones help in increasing the energy level of the body. The VMA test is also used to detect the agents which cause cancer in adrenal glands and nervous system. The urine sample is used in this because the body waste that comes out of the body is through urine and the components present in urine will help the lab technician to find out any abnormalities which can be deadly if not detected or treated in time. The increased Vanillylmandelic acid indicates some of the deadly diseases such as Ganglioneuroma, neuroblastoma, hypertension, pheochromocytoma, etc. These diseases may not be deadly during the starting period but can do damage with the passage of time if remain untreated or undetected.

The procedure for VMA test is very simple. The VMA test is performed on a urine sample which is generally 24 hours collected urine. At first, early in the morning, you need to empty your bladder and then collect the urine sample every time you go to washroom within 24 hours. The sample to be collected in a sterile container.