Lab Guide
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Test ID: Vanillylmandelate (24h urine)
Vanillylmandelate (24h urine)
Vanillylmandelate (24h urine)
Useful For

The investigation of neuroblastoma

Method name and description

High performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection.

Clinical information

Vanillylmandelate is an end product of catecholamine metabolism and an increase in its excretion can be seen in catecholamine excess.  Urine vanillylmandelate is best measured as part of the investigation for neuroblastomas, a type of paediatric tumour. 

Aliases

Vanillylmandelic acid

VMA

Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container

Specimen type: A 24h urine collection.

Specimen volume: total urine volume collected in 24 hours.

Specimen container: suitable plain urine collection container/s.

 

 

Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection

Patient should not be under pressure or actions requiring great effort.

Patient should avoid the following foods and drinks for 48 hours before urine specimen collection:

Pineapple.

Banana.

Plums.

Tomatoes.

Walnuts.

Chocolate.

Vanilla.

Coffee.

Tea.

Soft drinks. 

Spices as possible and absolutely to avoid Curry.

Patient should avoid smoking cigarettes during specimen collection.

Paracetamol can interact with assays and that cough medicines may contain sympathomimetic.

Relevant clinical information to be provided

Presenting clinical signs and symptoms

Relevant medications

Storage and transport instructions

Transport Temperature: 2 - 30 °C.

Storage Temperature: -18°C after add the preservative till the time for processing.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

Insufficient sample volume received.

Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values

0 - 33 µmol/24h

Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation

Antihypertensive medications, acute stress, acute illness, obstructive sleep apnoea can all cause increases in urine vanillylmandelate excretion.

Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time

Turnaround time: 5 working days.

Times test performed: Once a week.

Specimen retention time: 30 days.