Homovanillic Acid-to-Creatinine Ratio, Urine
A urine test that measures homovanillic acid relative to creatinine. It can help evaluate dopamine-related metabolism, including in children suspected of having a catecholamine-producing tumor.
["This test compares urinary homovanillic acid with creatinine to help evaluate dopamine production and possible catecholamine-producing tumors."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22708-2
- Short code
- HVA/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- HVA/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Homovanillic acid, or HVA, is a breakdown product of dopamine that can be detected in urine. The HVA-to-creatinine ratio adjusts the HVA result for urine concentration, because creatinine is generally released at a fairly steady rate by the body.
Why might I need this test?
This test is most often used to help evaluate children with symptoms that may be associated with neuroblastoma or another catecholamine-producing tumor. It may be ordered along with other urine tests, imaging, and blood tests rather than used by itself to make a diagnosis.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected and analyzed for HVA and creatinine. The laboratory then divides the HVA measurement by the creatinine measurement to calculate the HVA-to-creatinine ratio.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional, as this test may require a first-morning, timed, or 24-hour urine collection. Unless instructed otherwise, continue your normal diet and fluid intake, and tell the laboratory about medicines or supplements that may affect the result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated urine HVA-to-creatinine ratio may occur with catecholamine-producing tumors, particularly neuroblastoma in children. Mild or temporary elevations can also result from illness, stress, diet, medications, or differences in urine concentration. Results should therefore be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, age, other laboratory tests, and imaging when appropriate.
Short name
Urine HVA:Creatinine Ratio
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a 24-hour urine HVA test?
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Does an abnormal result confirm that a tumor is present?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy