Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Homovanillate Test, Urine HVA Test, Homovanillic Acid 24-Hour Urine Test, 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenylacetic Acid 24-Hour Urine Test |
| Sample Type | 24-hour urine sample |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | Primarily children; occasionally adults with suspected catecholamine-secreting tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,900 |
What is a Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test?
The homovanillic acid (HVA), 24 hours urine test measures the amount of HVA excreted in urine over a full day. HVA is a breakdown product of dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in mood and movement. Doctors most often request this test for children when a catecholamine-secreting tumour is suspected, though it is also used in adults. The test is also called the homovanillate test, urine HVA test, homovanillic acid 24-hour urine test, or 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid 24-hour urine test.
What Does a Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test Measure?
The test analyses a single substance collected across a 24-hour period. Because HVA levels can shift throughout the day, a full-day sample gives a more reliable picture of the body's dopamine metabolism than a single-point urine sample.
The table below summarises what the test measures:
| Component | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Homovanillic Acid (HVA) | The main breakdown product of dopamine; produced when enzymes break down this neurotransmitter in the body |
The test is analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a precise laboratory method that separates and measures substances in the urine sample.
Why is a Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test Done?
A doctor may request this test when certain symptoms or clinical findings point to an abnormality in catecholamine (body chemical) metabolism. Below are the main reasons this test is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order the homovanillic acid (HVA), 24 hours urine test:
- Abdominal lump or swelling, particularly in children
- Unexplained loss of appetite and weight loss
- High blood pressure without a clear cause
- Excessive sweating and fast or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent fever with no obvious infection
- Unusual tiredness or irritability, especially in young children
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several conditions related to abnormal catecholamine production:
- Neuroblastoma (a cancer arising from nerve cells, most common in young children)
- Phaeochromocytoma (a rare adrenal gland tumour that releases excess catecholamines)
- Other neural crest tumours (tumours that develop from embryonic nerve tissue)
- Monoamine oxidase-A deficiency (a rare inherited condition affecting catecholamine metabolism)
- Dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency (an enzyme disorder that raises HVA levels)
Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a patient has been treated for a catecholamine-secreting tumour such as neuroblastoma, the homovanillic acid (HVA), 24 hours urine test may be repeated at regular intervals. This helps doctors track how well treatment is working and detect any signs of recurrence early.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test is important because the collection process spans a full day. The steps below will help you complete the collection accurately.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally throughout the 24-hour collection period. However, certain medications can affect results, so speak to your doctor about any medicines you are taking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before and during the collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you take.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. L-dopa (a Parkinson's medication) should be stopped at least 24 hours before collection, and any use of Bactrim (an antibiotic) must be reported to the laboratory.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the collection period, as intense exercise can affect results.
- Keep the collection container refrigerated or in a cool place throughout the 24-hour period.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The HVA test procedure involves collecting all urine produced over 24 hours. Follow these steps carefully:
- On the morning of day one, urinate into the toilet as usual when you wake up. Discard this first sample and note the exact time.
- From this point, collect all urine passed for the next 24 hours into the special container provided. A preservative (typically acetic acid) is added to the container to keep the sample stable.
- Store the container in the refrigerator or a cool location throughout the collection period.
- On the morning of day two, collect the first urine of the morning into the container. This completes the 24-hour collection.
- Label the container clearly with your name, date, and the time you finished collecting.
- Return the container to the Lupin Diagnostics collection point or hand it to the home collection representative as instructed. A 5 ml aliquot from the 24-hour urine is used for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your results:
- Incomplete collection (missing even one urination during the 24-hour period reduces accuracy)
- Medications such as L-dopa or Bactrim
- Intense physical exercise before or during the collection period
- Extreme stress or anxiety
- Severe kidney or liver disease
- Improper storage of the urine sample during collection
Understanding Your Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test Results
Your results show how much HVA your body excreted over 24 hours. A doctor will review these values in the context of your full medical history, age, and any relevant symptoms. The table below shows general reference ranges:
| Age Group | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| < 1 year | < 35.0 mg/g creatinine |
| 1 year | < 30.0 mg/g creatinine |
| 2–4 years | < 25.0 mg/g creatinine |
| 5–9 years | < 15.0 mg/g creatinine |
| 10–14 years | < 9.0 mg/g creatinine |
| > or =15 years (adults) | < 8.0 mg/24 hours |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can affect HVA levels independently of any underlying tumour or metabolic disorder:
- Extreme anxiety, intense physical exercise, and essential hypertension may cause moderate elevations in HVA, which can make results harder to interpret.
- Medications such as L-dopa and Bactrim can raise or otherwise alter HVA reading: always disclose all medicines to your doctor.
- Severe kidney or liver disease may affect how HVA is processed and excreted, potentially influencing results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support overall catecholamine health:
- Attend all follow-up appointments if you have a history of catecholamine-secreting tumours, so any changes in levels are caught early.
- Disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products to your doctor before each test to ensure accurate interpretation.
- Avoid vigorous exercise and manage stress in the days leading up to and during the collection period.
Lupin Diagnostics Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test Price and Home Collection
The HVA test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,900, and home collection is available across major cities. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4900 |
| CHENNAI | 4900 |
| HYDERABAD | 4900 |
| KOLKATA | 4900 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4900 |
| PUNE | 4900 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for HVA test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
HVA test home collection is available across cities, making it convenient to complete the 24-hour urine collection at home. A trained phlebotomist will deliver the collection container and guide you through the process. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratories, and your digital report is accessible via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homovanillic acid (HVA), 24 hours urine test is used mainly to screen children for catecholamine-secreting tumours such as neuroblastoma and phaeochromocytoma. It is also used to monitor patients who have already been treated for these conditions, helping doctors check for recurrence.
HVA levels in urine fluctuate throughout the day. Collecting all urine over a full 24-hour period averages out these natural variations, making the result a more reliable reflection of the body's dopamine metabolism than a single urine sample.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal during the collection period. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some can affect results.
More than 90% of individuals with neuroblastoma have elevated HVA and/or VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) levels. For this reason, both tests are usually done together to improve diagnostic accuracy. A normal result does not completely rule out a catecholamine-secreting tumour, so your doctor will consider the full clinical picture.
Yes, HVA test home collection is available through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained professional will deliver the collection container to your home, guide you through the test procedure, and arrange for the sample to be picked up and transported to the laboratory under the correct conditions.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the test report is delivered within 5 days of the sample reaching the laboratory. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Homovanillic Acid (HVA), 24 Hours Urine Test: Booking, Price, and Results
