Homovanillic Acid (HVA)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Refer to Testing Lab link

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HVA, UR24

Test Code (Numeric Code)

7174

Specimen Type

• 24hr Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Acidified 24hr Urine Container

Acceptable

• BD Urine Tube (no additive)
• Specimen Container

Collection instructions:
Adults: 24 hour urine collect in acid.
Paediatrics: Preferred specimen is a 24 hour collect but a random sample can be used.
Random samples must be sent to the lab urgently for acidification.
Refer to the LabPlus website for full details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
HVA is performed along with HMMA & catecholamines for diagnosing neuroblastoma.

Laboratory instruction:
Requires immediate acidification. Give to Biochemistry along with a copy of the request form and excess barcode labels prior to sending to LabPlus.

Contact Information