Test Details
Methodology
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
Result Turnaround Time
3 - 6 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Diagnose neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment
Special Instructions
Record total 24-hour urine volume on the request form.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Custom Additional Information
HVA is the major terminal metabolite of the dopamine pathway. VMA is the major terminal metabolite of the norepinephrine pathway. HVA is often excreted in excess amounts by neuroblastomas, ganglioneuroblastomas, pheochromocytomas, and in Riley-Day syndrome. Excretion may be intermittent. Plasma HVA is increased in schizotypal personality disorders. Approximately 20% of subjects with neuroblastoma do not have increased VMA.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
1 mL aliquot (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Plastic urine container (6N HCl is optional)
Collection Instructions
Instruct the patient to void at 8 AM and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24-hour collection period (ie, 8 AM the next morning). Measure and record total urine volume. Mix well; send aliquot. Label container with patient's name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Reference Range
0.0−10.0 mg/24 hours
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid aspirin, disulfiram, reserpine, and pyridoxine, if possible, at least 48 hours prior to collection of the specimen. Levodopa should be avoided for two weeks before collection.
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120253 | Homovanillic Acid, 24-Hr Urine | 120254 | HVA, Urine | mg/L | 11144-3 | |
| 120253 | Homovanillic Acid, 24-Hr Urine | 120255 | HVA, Urine, 24hr | mg/24 hr | 2436-4 | |
| Order Code | 120253 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Homovanillic Acid, 24-Hr Urine | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 120254 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HVA, Urine | |||||
| UofM | mg/L | |||||
| Result LOINC | 11144-3 | |||||
| Order Code | 120253 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Homovanillic Acid, 24-Hr Urine | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 120255 | |||||
| Result Code Name | HVA, Urine, 24hr | |||||
| UofM | mg/24 hr | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2436-4 |