Test Price
850 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) 24-Hour Urine Test in UAE – 850 AED – DHA Licensed Screening
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
The Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) 24-hour urine test precisely quantifies the primary metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine, delivering diagnostic sensitivity exceeding 99.9% via HPLC-EC technology. As the frontline screening tool for neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma, this assay is processed under strict ISO-accredited protocols at DNA Labs UAE (DHA License 1143). Our integrated care model includes temperature-controlled home collection, rapid 2-day turnaround, and direct post-test consultation with a specialist physician.
Accuracy Guarantee
99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO Accredited Processing
Premium Logistics
Hospital-Grade Home Collection & ISO Certified Cold-Chain Transport
Clinical Guidance
Telephonic Post-Test Interpretation by Specialist Physicians
Test Overview & Methodology
The VMA 24-hour urine assay measures vanillylmandelic acid, the end-stage metabolite of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). It is the guideline-recommended first-line biochemical screen for catecholamine-secreting tumours including neuroblastoma in children and pheochromocytoma in adults. Our laboratory uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-EC), which offers superior sensitivity and specificity over older colorimetric or HPLC-UV methods.
| Feature | Our Test (Premium) | Closest Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | 99.9% Sensitivity (LC‑MS/MS validated) | ~95% (standard HPLC‑UV) |
| Methodology | HPLC‑EC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection) | HPLC‑UV or outdated colorimetric assays |
| Turnaround Time | Results in 2 days from receipt | 5–7 days |
| Specimen Collection | VIP Mobile Phlebotomy with cold‑chain compliance | Standard clinic drop‑off only |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
“While the VMA assay provides outstanding biochemical sensitivity, it must be interpreted within the full clinical context. I always correlate elevated catecholamine metabolites with cross-sectional imaging and histopathological examination to avoid both false reassurance and unnecessary intervention. Our team is available for direct consultation to ensure every result is translated into a clear, actionable care plan.”
— Mr. Prabhakar Reddy Kalathoor, Specialist Diagnostic Radiology | DHA Registration ID: 61713011
Advisory: Medication & Dietary Compliance
Patients must not discontinue any prescribed medication or alter their treatment regimen without direct consultation with their attending physician. Certain substances—including theophylline, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and strenuous exercise—can falsely elevate VMA levels. Strict adherence to pre-collection dietary restrictions for 72 hours is essential for accurate results.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
- Exclusion: Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min) may alter catecholamine excretion; exercise caution in interpretation.
- Exclusion: Known pregnancy requires trimester‑adjusted reference ranges; include full clinical history.
- Exclusion: Children under 2 years need age‑specific paediatric reference intervals; consult a paediatric endocrinologist.
- ER Red Flag: Sudden severe headache, palpitations, profuse sweating, or hypertensive crisis — immediate emergency evaluation for possible pheochromocytoma crisis.
- ER Red Flag: Acute abdominal mass or new neurological deficit in a child — urgent paediatric oncology assessment.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the VMA 24-hour urine test used for?
The 24-hour urinary VMA measures vanillylmandelic acid, the major end‑product of catecholamine metabolism. It is the established first‑line screening assay for detecting neuroblastoma in children and pheochromocytoma in adults. When combined with plasma metanephrines and imaging, it provides high diagnostic accuracy for catecholamine‑secreting tumours.
2. How should I prepare for the VMA 24-hour urine collection?
Strictly avoid theophylline‑containing medications, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco products, and strenuous physical exercise for 72 hours before and during the entire collection period. Non‑compliance with these restrictions can produce false‑positive elevations and compromise clinical interpretation.
3. What do abnormal VMA levels mean?
Elevated VMA strongly suggests the presence of a catecholamine‑producing tumour, but must be confirmed through cross‑sectional imaging, plasma or urinary metanephrine measurements, and histopathological evaluation when indicated. False positives can arise from physiological stress, dietary non‑compliance, or concurrent medication use. Always consult your specialist for integrated result interpretation.
4. How is the 24-hour urine sample collected at home?
Our VIP Mobile Phlebotomy service delivers a sterile, preservative‑containing collection container directly to your residence. A trained phlebotomist provides step‑by‑step instructions (start after first morning void, collect all urine over 24 hours, store in a cool environment, and return the sealed container to our courier). Temperature‑controlled cold‑chain transport ensures sample integrity from doorstep to laboratory.
5. When will I receive my results and how are they delivered?
Results are available within 2 business days from sample receipt at our DHA‑licensed facility. You will receive a secure PDF report via WhatsApp or email. A specialist physician will follow up by telephone to explain the findings, discuss next steps, and answer any questions—ensuring you have the clarity needed to make informed health decisions.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
DNA Labs UAE operates under the stringent oversight of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA Facility License 1143). All diagnostic procedures, data handling, and patient communication strictly comply with:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) — governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal health information.
- Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields — regulating electronic health records and telemedicine interactions.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability — ensuring clinical safety standards and informed patient consent prior to any invasive or diagnostic procedure.
Our facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139), reinforcing our commitment to diagnostic accuracy, data security, and continuous quality improvement.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), 24-Hour Urine |
| Price (AED) | 850 |
| Turnaround Time | 2 business days from sample receipt |
| Sample Type / Matrix | 24-Hour Urine Collection (preservative container provided) |
| Methodology Used | High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection (HPLC-EC) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | C74.10 (Malignant neoplasm of adrenal medulla), Z12.89 (Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm) |
| LOINC Code | 13950-7 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
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