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Test Code LAB3548 VMA/HVA, Serum

Additional Codes

VMA/HVA

 

Clinical System Name

VMA/HVA

Synonyms

Homovanillic acid

Vanilmandelic acid

Vanillylmandelic acid

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 0.4 mL 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/plasma Room temp 7 d
  Refrigerated 1 m
  Frozen 1 y

 

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
N 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

84585, 83150

Methodology

Method: LC/MS/MS

Analytical Volume: 0.4 mL serum/plasma

Limitations:

 

  1. 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.
  2. Quercetin causes an endogenous elevation of HVA. Wait 1 week after the last dose before drawing blood samples for HVA.
  3. The levels of HVA and VMA in serum are analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Results obtained from different labs or different sample types cannot be used interchangeably. 

Reference Range

 

VMA </= 20 ng/mL
HVA </= 30 ng/mL

 

Description

 

This test is used to screen children for catecholamine-secreting tumors and to support a diagnosis of neuroblastoma.