VMA & HVA
Chemical Pathology
Notes
- Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) are indicated for the investigation and monitoring of treatment of neuroblastoma in children.
- This test is not suitable for phaeochromocytomas (request urine metadrenalines instead).
Sample requirements
For children, 5 ml of urine taken into a white top Universal
Storage/transport
Do not store, send immediately to the laboratory at ambient temperature. Samples are acidified on receipt in the laboratory.
Required information
Relevant clinical details including whether for diagnosis or monitoring of neuroblastoma.
Turnaround times
Samples for VMA and HVA are sent for analysis to University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Bristol, with results expected back within 2 weeks.
Reference ranges
| Age | HVA | Units |
| Up to 1 year | < 16.8 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 1 - 2 years | < 14.9 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 2 - 3 years | < 10.4 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 3 - 5 years | < 8.7 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 5 - 7 years | < 7.8 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 7 - 12 years | < 5.5 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 12 - 18 years | < 4.1 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| Age | VMA | Units |
| < 6 months | < 13.2 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 6 months - 1 year | < 11.3 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 1 - 2 years | < 10.7 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 2 - 6 years | < 7.0 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 6 - 10 years | < 5.1 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 10 - 15 years | < 4.4 | mmol/mol creatinine |
| 15 - 18 years | < 2.7 | mmol/mol creatinine |