Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Homovanillic Acid HVA Random Urine Test

The Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Random Urine Test measures HVA levels in urine, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Random urine sample. Confirm specific volume requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Avoid L-Dopa medication for at least 72 hours prior to and during the urine collection period. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 11,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Homovanillic Acid HVA Random Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

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Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

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Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Suspected neuroblastoma
✓Monitoring neuroblastoma treatment
✓Evaluating patients with symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or bone pain
✓Family history of neuroblastoma

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. It measures the levels of homovanillic acid (HVA), a metabolite of dopamine, in the urine.

The Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Random Urine Test is a diagnostic tool used primarily in oncology. It measures the level of homovanillic acid, a metabolite of dopamine, in a urine sample. Elevated levels of HVA can be associated with neuroblastoma, a cancer often found in children. This test is important for both diagnosing this condition and monitoring its progression or response to treatment. It provides valuable information to healthcare providers for making informed decisions about patient care. The test quantifies the amount of homovanillic acid in a random urine sample. This metabolite is produced when the body breaks down dopamine. Assessing HVA levels can offer insights into certain types of tumors, particularly neuroblastoma. This test is recommended for individuals showing symptoms potentially related to neuroblastoma, such as abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, fatigue, or changes in appetite. It may also be considered for those with a family history of neuroblastoma or other relevant risk factors. Taking this test can help with early detection, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and guiding personalized treatment planning. Results are typically available within a few days, but specific turnaround times should be confirmed with the laboratory. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider, as normal levels can vary. Elevated levels may indicate the need for further investigation.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

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PreparationAvoid L-Dopa medication for at least 72 hours prior to and during the urine collection period. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

SampleRandom urine sample. Confirm specific volume requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyConfirm methodology details with the laboratory before booking.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

Elevated HVA levels can be associated with other conditions besides neuroblastoma. Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in conjunction with clinical findings. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Homovanillic Acid (HVA) is a substance produced when the body breaks down dopamine. Measuring its level in urine can help detect certain types of tumors, like neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that most often affects infants and young children. It develops from immature nerve cells.

A random urine sample is used to measure the amount of HVA excreted over a period. Specific collection instructions may apply, so confirm with the laboratory.

Turnaround time can vary. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking.

It is important to avoid L-Dopa medication for at least 72 hours before and during the urine collection period. Consult your doctor and the laboratory for specific instructions.

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Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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