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Homovanillic Acid (HVA)

Test ID:

703751

CPT code:

83150

Synonyms:

Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24-Hour Urine
HVA, 24-Hour Urine

Clinical Use:

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

Test 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

Specimen Type:

Urine

Requested Volume:

4 mL aliquot

Minimum Volume:

1 mL aliquot

Container Type:

Plastic urine container (6N HCl is optional)

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.

Collection:

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.