Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24-Hour Urine

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC80534Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 120253CPT Code 83150

Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24-Hour Urine

Also known as: HVA, 24-Hour Urine

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

Diagnose neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and pheochromocytoma; follow course of tumor treatment

Special Instructions

Not provided.

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.

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

11144-3 - HVA Ur-mCnc
2436-4 - HVA 24h Ur-mRate

Result Turnaround Time

3-6 days

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.