Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Test | Lahalak Medical Platform

A precise test measuring Homovanillic Acid (HVA) levels to monitor dopamine activity and support the assessment of neurological conditions with high accuracy.

Prices starts from: 232.32 SAR

Scientific name: Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Analysis (LC-MS/MS)

Homovanillic Acid (HVA) analysis using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a precise procedure used to determine the levels of this acid in urine or blood samples. HVA is a final product in the dopamine metabolism pathway, making it an important marker for evaluating neurological activity. This test is primarily used in dia...

Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Analysis (LC-MS/MS) - Dopamine Activity Marker
Service type Laboratory test (Urine or Blood)
Duration 10-15 minutes
Fasting Fasting is not required
Prices Starting from 232.32 SAR

Included Services

  • Homovanillic Acid - HVA (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry - LC-MS/MS) Test
  • The optimal health guidance based on the result.
  • Personal support services from Lahalak

Medical Service Information

Purpose Test

  • Presence of neurogenic tumors: Such as neuroblastoma and adrenal gland cancer, where HVA levels are significantly elevated.
  • Dopamine activity: HVA is the end product of dopamine metabolism, helping evaluate neurological activity in the body.
  • Psychiatric disorders: Elevated HVA levels may be associated with certain psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.
  • Treatment efficacy: The test is used to monitor patients' response to treatment and track disease progression.

Recommended groups

  • Children suspected of neuroblastoma: HVA serves as an important marker for diagnosing this tumor.
  • Patients with symptoms of adrenal gland tumors: Such as abdominal pain, high blood pressure, or unexplained weight changes.
  • Individuals with psychiatric disorders: HVA levels reflect dopamine activity and its effects.
  • Patients monitored after neuroblastoma treatment: To track treatment response and ensure no relapses occur.
  • Individuals with a family history of neuroblastoma or psychiatric disorders: For early assessment and monitoring.

Symptoms indicative

  • Abdominal or back pain: Could indicate a tumor in the adrenal gland area or neurogenic tumors.
  • Unexplained weight changes: Either loss or gain.
  • High blood pressure: May be associated with certain tumors or hormonal disorders.
  • Behavioral or psychiatric changes: Such as mood swings or symptoms of psychiatric disorders indicating abnormal dopamine activity.
  • Physical signs of a tumor: Such as noticeable lumps or other symptoms suggesting a tumor.

FAQs

  • What is Homovanillic Acid (HVA)? It is an end product in the dopamine metabolism pathway and is used as an indicator to assess neural activity.
  • Why is the HVA test performed? To diagnose and monitor neurogenic tumors, such as neuroblastoma, and to evaluate certain psychiatric disorders.
  • How is the test performed? It requires collecting a urine or blood sample, and fasting may often be required before the test.
  • What are the normal levels of Homovanillic Acid? Normal levels vary but are usually low. Any elevation may indicate underlying health issues.
  • What factors can affect the test results? These include medications, diet, and certain health conditions.
  • What do elevated results mean? They may indicate the presence of neurogenic tumors or excessive dopamine activity, which requires further evaluation.

Normal Levels

  • Urine: less than 15 µmol/24 hours (approximately 2.0 mg/24 hours).

Conditions & Notices

  • The terms and conditions announced on the "Lahalak" medical platform apply.
  • There are no special conditions for the service other than those mentioned.

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