8 hours
Test Updated:
HVA
HOMOVANILLIC ACID, URINE
Looking to order a test?
We’ve provided helpful links to make ordering easy.
Find a RequisitionAll specimens should be accompanied by a requisition.
Submitting SpecimensLearn about how to properly label and where to ship specimens.
Order Kits and SuppliesMLabs provides all the supplies necessary for the collection of specimens.
Test FAQVisit our provider FAQ and learn about common questions to ordering tests.
Test Overview
Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
Confirm diagnosis of neuroblastoma; monitor response to therapy.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
24 hour urine collection; Random samples will be accepted on children less than 10 years old, in which case the HVAR test code must be ordered instead of the HVA test code. Instruct patient to void at 8:00am and discard the specimen. Then collect all the urine including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24 hour period, i.e. at 8:00am the following day. Transport promptly to the laboratory. Container must be labeled with date and time the collection started and finished. Refrigerate during collection.
Collect 24 hour urine specimen. Add 25 mL of 50% glacial acetic acid (15 mL for pediatric patients) to container prior to start of collection. Following collection, mix well, measure 24 hour urine volume, aliquot 10 mL into a plastic urine container and refrigerate. Record total 24 hour urine volume and collection dates/times on request form. Specimens with no preservative are also acceptable: add 50% glacial acetic acid to container following collection, mix well and send 10 mL aliquot (preferred); alternatively a non-acidified aliquot will be accepted. Random samples will be accepted on children less than 10 years old, in which case the HVAR test code must be ordered instead of the HVA test code.
