Homovanillic acid + Vanillylmandelic acid, 24-hour urine

Alphabetical Test listing

Homovanillic acid + Vanillylmandelic acid, 24-hour urine-994

Test name:

Test number:

994

Excellian order number:

LAB994

Abbreviation:

MSO

Alternate names:

HVA + VMA, 24-hr urine

Useful for:

Diagnose pheochromocytoma (VMA).
HVA is often excreted in excess amounts by neuroblastomas, ganglioneuroblastomas, pheochromocytomas, and in Riley-Day syndrome.

Patient preparation information:

Patient should avoid salicylates, caffeine, phenothiazine, and antihypertension agents. Also coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit (especially bananas and any vanilla containing substances) for 72 hours prior to collection.

Specimen type:

Urine, 24-hr

Collection container:

24-hr urine collection container, no additive

Volume:

4.0 mL aliquot of a 24-hour collection

Minimum volume:

2.0 mL aliquot of a 24-hour collection

Collection instructions:

How to collect a 24-hr urine sample

Processing instructions:

Measure and record total urine volume
Mix well
Transfer an 8 mL aliquot to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)
Label container with patient's name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished

Transport container:

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)