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HelpCatalog ID HVAR Homovanillic Acid, Random, Urine
Reporting Name
Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random, UUseful For
Screening children for catecholamine-secreting tumors using a random urine collection when requesting homovanillic acid only
Monitoring neuroblastoma treatment
Screening patients with possible inborn errors of catecholamine metabolism
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
UrineNecessary Information
1. Patient's age is required.
2. All patients receiving L-dopa should be identified to the laboratory when this test is ordered.
3. Bactrim may interfere with detection of the analyte. All patients taking Bactrim should be identified to the laboratory when this test is ordered.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Administration of L-dopa may falsely increase homovanillic acid results; it should be discontinued 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. Adjust the urine pH to a level between 1 and 5 by adding 50% acetic acid or hydrochloric acid dropwise and checking the pH.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 180 days |
Reference Values
<1 year: <35.0 mg/g creatinine
1 year: <30.0 mg/g creatinine
2-4 years: <25.0 mg/g creatinine
5-9 years: <15.0 mg/g creatinine
10-14 years: <9.0 mg/g creatinine
≥15 years (adults): <8.0 mg/g creatinine
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83150
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HVAR | Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random, U | 11146-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 60275 | Homovanillic Acid (HVA), Random, U | 11146-8 |
Report Available
2 to 4 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.