Homovanillic Acid/Vanillylmandelic Acid, Urine
Abbrev Code: | HVMA | ||
Order Code: | LAB6334 | Order Name: | HVA VMA Urine |
Synonyms: | VMA and HVA, Urine; HVA and VMA, Urine | ||
Methodology: | Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry | ||
CPT Codes: | 83150 x1, 84585 x1 | ||
Test Includes: | Quantitation of homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) (mg/g urinary creatinine). | ||
Turnaround Time: | Performed Mon-Fri; results are reported the next day. | ||
Associated Links: |
Collection Instructions
Specimen: | Urine, random collection, 24 hr collection, or urine absorbed onto filter paper |
Optimal Volume: | Submit entire collection; analysis requires 2 mL |
Container: | Plastic leakproof container, sterile Alternate Containers: Urine filter paper, 3 L plastic jug |
Collection Instructions: |
If using filter paper to obtain collection, obtain filter paper urine collection kit from the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory. The kit includes one 10 X 10 cm absorbent filter paper, patient identification form and directions for specimen collection. Collect as follows:
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Patient Preparation: | Drugs such as L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine are metabolized to HVA and VMA and will fictitiously elevate their levels in the urine. Therefore, the patient should not be on such drugs when collecting the urine. |
Causes for Rejection: | Not sufficient urine on the filter paper. |
Processing and Shipping
Specimen Processing: | Aliquot 5 mL, 2 mL minimum. Store urine in refrigerator. Store filter paper at room temperature. |
Shipping Instructions: | Ship urine at refrigerated temperature. Ship dry filter paper via regular US mail at room temperature. Express mail is recommended. Place the request form and dry filter paper in separate plastic transport bags prior to mailing. |
Test Performed at or Referral Lab | Biochemical Genetics (UMMC East Bank) |
Interpretive
Reference Range: |
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Use: | Diagnosis and monitoring treatment of neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. The combination of HVA and VMA will give a positive diagnosis in 92% of cases of neuroblastoma. More than 90% of patients with pheochromocytoma will have an elevated VMA. If both VMA and metanephrines are tested, >98% of patients with pheochromocytomas will be detected. |
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