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HelpTest ID HVAR Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random, Urine
Useful For
Screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors with a random urine collection when requesting homovanillic acid only
Monitoring neuroblastoma treatment
Screening patients with possible inborn errors of catecholamine metabolism
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random, USpecimen Type
UrineCollection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube (T068)
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. Adjust the urine pH to a level between 1 and 5 by adding 50% acetic acid dropwise and checking the pH.
Additional Information:
1. Patient's age is required.
2. Administration of L-dopa may falsely increase homovanillic acid results; it should be discontinued 24 hours prior to and during collection of specimen.
3. Bactrim may interfere with detection of the analyte. All patients taking Bactrim should be identified to the laboratory when this test is ordered.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Oncology Test Request Form (T729) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/oncology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Homovanillic acid (HVA) and other catecholamine metabolites (vanillylmandelic acid [VMA] and dopamine) are typically elevated in patients with catecholamine-secreting tumors (eg, neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and other neural crest tumors). HVA and VMA levels may also be useful in monitoring patients who have been treated as a result of the above-mentioned tumors. HVA levels may also be altered in disorders of catecholamine metabolism; monamine oxidase-A deficiency can cause decreased urinary HVA values, while a deficiency of dopamine beta-hydrolase (the enzyme that converts dopamine to norepinephrine) can cause elevated urinary HVA values.
Reference Values
<1 year: <35.0 mg/g creatinine
1 year: <30.0 mg/g creatinine
2-4 years: <25.0 mg/g creatinine
5-9 years: <15.0 mg/g creatinine
10-14 years: <9.0 mg/g creatinine
≥15 years (adults): <8.0 mg/g creatinine
Cautions
All patients receiving L-dopa should be identified to the laboratory when vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and HVA tests are ordered.
Bactrim may interfere with detection of the analyte. All patients taking Bactrim should be identified to the laboratory when VMA and HVA tests are ordered.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.
Report Available
2 days (not reported on Sunday)Performing Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83150