Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24-Hour Urine
Also known as: HVA, 24-Hour Urine
Use
Diagnose neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment
Special Instructions
Record total 24-hour urine volume on the request form. The urine collection must include all specimens voided within the 24-hour period, and the volume should be measured and mixed well before sending an aliquot.
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. The test may have limitations in detecting intermittent excretion of HVA, and approximately 20% of subjects with neuroblastoma do not exhibit increased excretion of VMA, which could affect interpretation.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11144-3
- 2436-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
4 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
1 mL aliquot
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.
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.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |