What is a Vanillylmandelic acid test?
Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and other catecholamine metabolites such as homovanillic acid (HVA) measurement in urine are used for screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors such as neuroblastoma and other neural crest tumors and monitoring those who have had treatment for these tumors.
How do I prepare for the Vmas?
Patient preparation: Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco (including use of nicotine patch), bananas, citrus fruits and strenuous exercise prior to collection. It is preferable for the patient to be off medications for three days prior to collection.
What can you not do for a 24 hour urine test?
Keep the 24 hour urine container refrigerated during the collection period. To the best extent possible, avoid using vitamins, coffee, alcoholic beverages, salt and vanilla-containing foods for at least 24 hours before you start collecting the 24-hour urine and during the entire collection period.
What factors may affect urine concentration of catecholamine and VMA?
Certain foods can increase urinary catecholamines, including coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, and vanilla. Avoid these for several days prior to the test. Acute stress and vigorous exercise may also affect the test results.
How do you prepare for a Vanillylmandelic acid test?
The patient should not consume any foods or fluids containing vanilla or licorice. The patient should avoid self-prescribed medications (especially aspirin) and prescribed medications (especially pyridoxine, levodopa, amoxicillin, carbidopa, reserpine, and disulfiram) for 2 wk before testing and as directed.
What does catecholamines test for?
Catecholamines are released into the blood when a person is under physical or emotional stress. The main catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (which used to be called adrenalin). This test is used to diagnose or rule out certain rare tumors, such as pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma .
What is the full form of VMA?
Acronym. Definition. VMA. Video Music Awards (MTV)
What instructions should be given to the patient for a 24-hour urine specimen?
Instructions:
- Empty your bladder into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
- For the remainder of the 24-hour period, collect all urine you pass and immediately add it to the special collection container.
- The test ends 24-hours from the first (uncollected) specimen the day before.
What should I avoid before a urine test?
For 24 hours prior to collecting the specimen, you should avoid strenuous exercise as well as the following substances and drugs:
- Acetaminophen.
- Alcohol.
- Antihistamines.
- Aspirin.
- Caffeine.
- Vitamin B.
How do you prepare for catecholamine test?
Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the test. Follow your doctor’s orders carefully to ensure accurate test results. A healthcare provider will take a small sample of blood from your veins.
What is the normal range of VMA?
VMA: 2 to 7 milligrams (mg)/24 hours (10 to 35 mcmol/24 hours)
What preservative if any is recommended for a 24-hour urine collection for catecholamines and Vanillylmandelic acid?
Collect a 24-hour urine specimen. 2. Add 25 mL of 50% acetic acid as preservative at the start of collection. If specimen is refrigerated during collection, preservative may be added up to 12 hours after collection.