Find Locations
For hours, walk-ins and appointments.Synonyms
- HVA, Random Urine
Test Includes
HVA concentration in mg/L; creatinine; and HVA:creatinine ratio
Expected Turnaround Time
4 - 7 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.
Related Information
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Urine (random)
Volume
10 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
4 mL aliquot
Container
Plastic urine container (6N HCl is optional)
Collection
Label container with patient's name and date.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
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.
Test Details
Use
Diagnose neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment
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.
Methodology
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
Reference Interval
Pediatric patients1 and adults:
• 0 to 2 months: 0.0−35.0 μg/mg creatinine
• 3 to 23 months: 0.0−32.6 μg/mg creatinine
• 2 to 4 years: 0.0−22.0 μg/mg creatinine
• 5 to 9 years: 0.0−15.1 μg/mg creatinine
• 10 to 19 years: 0.0−12.8 μg/mg creatinine
• >19 years: 0.0−7.6 μg/mg creatinine
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.
Footnotes
1. Tuchman M, Morris CL, Ramnaraine ML, Bowers LD, Krivit W. Value of random urinary homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid levels in the diagnosis and management of patients with neuroblastoma: Comparison with 24-hour urine collections. Pediatrics. 1985 Feb; 75(2):324-328. 3969335
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120246 | Homovanillic Acid, Random Ur | 070016 | Creatinine, Random U | mg/dL | 2161-8 | |
| 120246 | Homovanillic Acid, Random Ur | 120247 | HVA, Random U | mg/L | 11144-3 | |
| 120246 | Homovanillic Acid, Random Ur | 070024 | HVA/Crt, Random U | ug/mg Creat | 11146-8 |
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