Test Code HVA (39527) HVA (Homovanillic Acid)
Specimen Requirements
It is preferable for the patient to be off medications for three days prior to collection. However, common antihypertensives (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha and beta blockers) cause minimal or no interference. Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection.
Preferred Specimen(s)
10 mL urine
SPECIMEN PROCESSING and HANDLING
Adjust a well mixed urine sample with 6N HCl to maintain a pH below 3. Urine without preservative is acceptable if pH is below 6 and the sample is shipped frozen.
TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 2 weeks
Frozen: 3 months
PERFORMING LAB
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042