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HelpTest Code LAB3184 Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
Clinical System Name
Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
Synonyms
HVA
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole blood
Container(s): Gold SST, Red, Dark Green/Sodium Heparin
Preferred Vol: 2 mL
Minimum Vol: 1 mL
Note: Microtainers are acceptable if a minimum of 0.4mL of serum/plasma is available for testing.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to:
Spin: Y
Aliquot: Y
Temp: - 20 C
Storage location: CPA Freezer, Fz3 rack. Store the label with the specimen.
Off-site collection: Spin blood, send serum/plasma frozen.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| serum or plasma | Room temp | 7 d |
| Refrigerated | 1 m | |
| Frozen | 1 y |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| With approval | T | 3 - 10 d |
Samples received in lab by 10:00 am on Tuesday will be set up and reported by Wednesday.
Contact Chemistry Lab for request outside of stated availability. (206) 987-2565
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Chemistry
Location: Chem West
Phone Number: (206) 987-2617
CPT Codes
83150
Methodology
Method: LC/MS/MS
Analytical Volume: 0.4 mL serum or plasma
Limitations:
- Metaclopramide (Reglan) causes an endogenous transient elevation of HVA. VMA is not affected. Blood samples for HVA measurement should be drawn before receiving Reglan. Ondansetron (a serotonin receptor antagonist) also causes transient elevations in HVA.
- Quercetin causes an endogenous elevation of HVA. Wait 1 week after the last dose before drawing blood samples for HVA.
- The level of HVA is analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Results obtained from different labs or different sample types cannot be used interchangeably.
Reference Range
| HVA | </= 30 ng/mL |
Description
This test is used to screen children for catecholamine-secreting tumors and to support a diagnosis of neuroblastoma.