Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random Urine
Also known as: HVA, Random Urine
Use
Diagnose neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment
Special Instructions
Patients should avoid certain medications such as aspirin, disulfiram, reserpine, and pyridoxine at least 48 hours prior to specimen collection. Levodopa should be avoided for two weeks before collection. Label the urine container with the patient's name and date when collecting the specimen.
Limitations
The test has been developed by LabCorp and its performance characteristics have been determined but it has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. Excretion of HVA may be intermittent and approximately 20% of neuroblastoma cases may not show increased levels of VMA. Hence, results should be interpreted within the clinical context and potentially with additional confirmatory testing.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11144-3
- 11146-8
- 2161-8
- 2161-8
- 11144-3
- 11146-8
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
10 mL aliquot
Minimum Volume
4 mL aliquot
Container
Plastic urine container (6N HCl is optional)
Collection Instructions
Label container with patient's name and date.
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 |