Homovanillic Acid (Urine)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HVA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0627

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy


Children: random paediatric specimens must be transported to the laboratory immediately for acidification.
Adult: 24 h urine collected into a 2L bottle containing acid (20 mL of 6 mol/L HCl)

Transport

Random paediatric specimens must be transported to the laboratory immediately for acidification.

Laboratory

LabPLUS High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Sample Stability

Refrigerated: at least 6 months

Associated Tests

Synonyms

HVA, Homovanillic Acid

Turnaround Time

1 week

Special arrangements can be made following discussion with Chemical Pathologist if urgent testing is required.

Specimen Type

  • Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Acidified 24hr Urine Container
Acceptable
  • BD Urine Tube (no additive)

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container

Additional Specimen Information

Acidify to a pH of 3-4 within 3 hours. If catecholamines are also requested, then acidify within 2 hours.

Last updated: 25/08/2026