What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms that could point to a catecholamine-secreting tumor, such as unexplained high blood pressure, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or a growing lump - especially in a young child. It's also used to follow up on a family history of neuroblastoma or dysautonomia, or to monitor a known tumor over time. VMA is a chemical your body makes when breaking down stress hormones, and unusual amounts in your urine can be a clue that something needs a closer look.

What's included in this test?

This test measures a single marker, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), from a random urine sample, often expressed as a ratio to creatinine to account for how concentrated or diluted your urine is. VMA is a breakdown product of stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, so measuring it helps flag tumors or conditions that overproduce these hormones.

What happens after I get my results?

Your VMA result will show up in your account along with the normal range so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level is outside the expected range, the report explains what that may mean and suggests retesting or additional catecholamine metabolite testing to confirm the finding. If your result is extremely high or comes with severe symptoms like chest pain or fainting, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your VMA levels over time if you retest.

How can I naturally support healthy catecholamine levels?

Managing everyday stress through regular sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help keep stress hormone production balanced. Limiting caffeine, nicotine, and highly processed foods may also reduce unnecessary spikes in adrenaline-related chemicals. Staying well hydrated supports normal kidney filtering, which affects how these substances show up in urine. These steps support general hormone balance but won't resolve a tumor-related cause, so retesting and further evaluation are still important if levels stay high.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once they're ready to view securely in your account. If your results need a repeat test or additional markers for clarification, the report will note that as a next step.

Who should consider this test?

This test is often considered for children with unexplained symptoms like persistent high blood pressure, unusual sweating, or a suspicious abdominal mass, since neuroblastoma is most common in kids under age one. Adults with symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma, such as sudden episodes of high blood pressure, headache, and rapid heart rate, may also consider it. Families with a history of neuroblastoma or familial dysautonomia (Riley-Day syndrome) may use this test for monitoring purposes as well.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like persistent or episodic high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, unexplained sweating, flushing, or headaches that come and go. In children, a noticeable abdominal lump, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss can also be signs worth checking. If someone has a family history of neuroblastoma or Riley-Day syndrome, even mild symptoms may be worth testing for.

What does high VMA mean?

A higher than normal VMA level can mean your body is producing too much of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which sometimes happens with tumors like neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma. It can also occur with familial dysautonomia or, less seriously, from certain foods, medications, or intense physical stress right before testing. A high result isn't a diagnosis by itself - it usually calls for repeat testing and additional markers like HVA to get a clearer picture.

What causes high or low VMA?

High VMA is most often linked to catecholamine-producing tumors, familial dysautonomia, or temporary spikes from stress, certain medications, or foods like vanilla, coffee, or bananas eaten before the test. Low VMA is less commonly a concern and may simply reflect normal variation or a very dilute urine sample. Because so many factors can affect the result, it's helpful to follow any pre-test guidance and consider retesting to confirm an unusual reading.

How often should I retest?

If you're monitoring a known condition or a prior abnormal result, retesting every few months is common until levels stabilize or a diagnosis is confirmed. If this test was ordered because of new or worsening symptoms, a repeat test soon after the first can help confirm whether the finding was accurate. Once levels are consistently normal, routine retesting usually isn't necessary unless new symptoms appear.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

VMA Urine Test - Neuroblastoma & Tumor Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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