Extra-regional sites: see Vanillylmandelic Acid, Extra-regional 80 mL aliquot of acidified 24 hour urine collection. Refer to charts in Specimen Handling and Additional Information sections.

Refrigerate during collection.

Specimen Handling

Collection type	Weight of Sulfamic acid in pouch
24 hour collections for newborn up to 4 years	See Pediatric 24 Hour Urine Acidification chart below
Random collection available for pediatric (<16) patients only	Refer patient to ACH. Testing will be performed at ACH Biochemical Genetics Lab. No preservative. ACH Accession: store specimen on ice or keep frozen until sample is picked up.

24 Hour Collections:

Acidify specimen in original collection container.
Record 24 hour volume and collection (start and end) dates and time in space provided on requisition.
Mix well and pour off acidified aliquot.
Sample pH should be less than 3.0.

Deliver specimens to CLS Analytical Toxicology who will redirect to U of A as required.

Additional Information

Drugs containing gentisic or homogentisic acid (anti-rheumatic drugs) can interfere with HVA quantitation. Patient should be off the following drugs: methyldopa (Aldomet), L-dopa (Sinemet), buspirone, isoproterenol, labetalol, oxprenolol, mandelamine, metoclopramide, acetaminophen, codeine products, MAOIs for three days before test. Patient's physician must be consulted about medication discontinuation.

Two days prior to collecting specimen, the patient should abstain from bananas, vanilla, chocolate, and caffeine beverages.

Testing Location

University of Alberta

Testing Frequency

Within 3 weeks of receipt at University of Alberta

Alternate Name(s)

VMA - 24 Hour Urine

Reference Interval