Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

VMA Vanillyl Mandelic Acid 24 Hour Urine Test

The VMA Vanillyl Mandelic Acid 24 Hour Urine Test measures catecholamine metabolites in urine to help detect certain neuroendocrine tumors, like pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. This test aids in diagnosing conditions related to hormonal activity and potential tumors.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: A 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) aliquot of 24-hour urine collection.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Collect urine over a 24-hour period. Ensure the urine is acidified with 50% HCl to maintain a pH between 1-2 (do not use concentrated HCl). Avoid theophylline, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco, and strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Record the total 24-hour volume.

Test priceKSh 10,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the VMA Vanillyl Mandelic Acid 24 Hour Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

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Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

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Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

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Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Suspected pheochromocytoma
✓Suspected neuroblastoma
✓Symptoms like persistent headaches, sweating, rapid heart rate
✓Family history of neuroendocrine tumors
✓Monitoring treatment for neuroendocrine tumors

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps in the detection and monitoring of neuroendocrine tumors by measuring the levels of catecholamine metabolites in urine.

The VMA Vanillyl Mandelic Acid 24 Hour Urine Test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess catecholamine metabolism in the body. It is particularly important for detecting neuroendocrine tumors, especially those related to the adrenal glands, such as pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. By measuring the levels of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), a metabolite of catecholamines, in a 24-hour urine sample, healthcare providers can gain insights into a patient's hormonal activity and the possible presence of tumors. Elevated VMA levels can indicate the presence of these specific types of tumors, enabling early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

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PreparationCollect urine over a 24-hour period. Ensure the urine is acidified with 50% HCl to maintain a pH between 1-2 (do not use concentrated HCl). Avoid theophylline, chocolate, vanilla, bananas, alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, tobacco, and strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Record the total 24-hour volume.

SampleA 50 mL (minimum 10 mL) aliquot of 24-hour urine collection.

MethodologyMeasurement of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) concentration in a 24-hour urine sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

Certain foods, medications, and activities can affect VMA levels. Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional considering the patient's overall clinical picture. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the level of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), a substance produced when the body breaks down catecholamines (like adrenaline and noradrenaline), in a 24-hour urine sample.

It is primarily used to help detect certain types of tumors, particularly neuroendocrine tumors like pheochromocytomas (adrenal gland tumors) and neuroblastomas (often found in children).

You will need to collect all your urine for 24 hours. Avoid certain foods (like chocolate, vanilla, bananas), drinks (alcohol, coffee, tea), medications (like theophylline), tobacco, and strenuous exercise for at least 72 hours before and during collection. Your doctor will provide specific instructions.

Elevated VMA levels may suggest the presence of a neuroendocrine tumor. However, other factors can influence results. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and medical history.

No, the test involves collecting urine, which is non-invasive and generally not painful.

Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking.

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

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Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

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Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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