What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being monitored for a nervous-system tumor like neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma, or if you're tracking Parkinson's disease treatment or past lead exposure. It measures a breakdown product of dopamine to see how your body is processing these key brain chemicals. Your results, together with symptoms like unexplained high blood pressure, headaches, or tremors, help build a fuller picture of what's going on.

What's included in this test?

This is a single-marker test that measures homovanillic acid (HVA) along with creatinine, which is used to confirm your urine sample was collected correctly over the full 24 hours. Measuring HVA alongside creatinine gives a more reliable picture because it accounts for how concentrated or diluted your urine happens to be. Together these two values make the HVA result more trustworthy for tracking dopamine breakdown over time.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal range clearly explained next to your value. If your homovanillic acid level falls outside the expected range, next steps often include repeating the 24-hour collection to confirm the result or scheduling follow-up testing at a regular interval your situation calls for. A full lab report is available to download from your account at any time, and you can use the trends feature to watch how your levels change over multiple tests.

How can I naturally support healthy dopamine balance?

Regular exercise, consistent sleep, and a diet with enough protein (which supplies the building blocks for dopamine) can support healthy dopamine activity. Reducing stress through activities like walking, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy also helps keep dopamine-related chemicals in a normal range. Limiting excess caffeine and alcohol can prevent unnecessary swings in these levels as well. These habits support overall nervous system health but don't replace the specific reason you're having this test done.

When will I get my results?

Results for this 24-hour urine test are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving your sample. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account, so you don't need to keep checking manually. If your results are urgent, note that this turnaround reflects standard lab processing time.

Who should consider this test?

This test is often considered by people already being evaluated for a neuroendocrine tumor, those with a family history of neuroblastoma, or people managing Parkinson's disease who want to track how treatment is working. It's also used by people with known or suspected chronic lead exposure. If you've had symptoms like persistent high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained sweating, this test may be a helpful next step.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms like unexplained high blood pressure, heart palpitations, sweating, headaches, or abdominal masses (especially in children) can point toward conditions this test screens for. In adults being treated for Parkinson's disease, changes in tremor, stiffness, or movement control might prompt this test. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, this test is usually done as part of a broader workup rather than on its own.

What is homovanillic acid and why does it matter?

Homovanillic acid (HVA) is what's left over after your body breaks down dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in mood, movement, and the body's stress response. Measuring how much HVA shows up in your urine over 24 hours gives insight into how much dopamine your body is producing and processing. Unusually high levels can point to tumors that produce excess dopamine-related hormones, while changes in HVA are also tracked during Parkinson's disease treatment.

What does a high HVA result mean?

A higher-than-expected HVA level can suggest your body is producing more dopamine-related hormones than usual, which is sometimes linked to tumors such as neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma. It can also reflect certain medications or high-stress states that temporarily raise dopamine turnover. A single high result isn't a diagnosis on its own — repeating the test and looking at the full clinical picture matters, so keep the sample collection instructions in mind for accuracy next time.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on why you're being monitored — someone tracking a known tumor or Parkinson's treatment response may retest every few months, while someone confirming a single unusual result might repeat the test once within a few weeks. Use the trends feature in your account to see how your results shift over time and decide, along with your care plan, when the next test makes sense. If a result is significantly abnormal along with severe symptoms, seek medical care promptly rather than waiting for a scheduled retest.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HVA 24-Hour Urine Test - Tumor & Parkinson's Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]