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HelpTest ID HVAR Homovanillic Acid, Random, Urine
Useful 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. For 24 hours prior to specimen collection, the patient should not take L-dopa.
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 Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 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
CPT Code Information
83150
Report Available
2 to 4 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.