Homovanillic acid (CSF) unit converter
Main dopamine metabolite in CSF; used to evaluate neurotransmitter disorders
Also known as: HVA
Converter
Enter a value in any unit and all other units fill in.
Worked example
241 nmol/L (middle of the reference range) = 43.9 ng/mL
Conversion formulas
| ng/mL | ng/mL = nmol/L × 0.1822 | nmol/L = ng/mL × 5.489 |
|---|---|---|
| µmol/L | µmol/L = nmol/L × 0.001 | nmol/L = µmol/L × 1000 |
| µg/dL | µg/dL = nmol/L × 0.01822 | nmol/L = µg/dL × 54.89 |
| ng/dL | ng/dL = nmol/L × 18.22 | nmol/L = ng/dL × 0.05489 |
Good to know
Homovanillic acid (HVA) is the main dopamine breakdown product in cerebrospinal fluid. It is reported in nmol/L or in ng/mL.
- ng/mL × 5.49 = nmol/L (exact factor 5.489).
- The range depends strongly on age and on the laboratory, so it applies to adults only. The first 0.5 mL of the spinal tap should be frozen immediately; blood in the sample lowers HVA and 5-HIAA.
Reference range
| Unit | Adults |
|---|---|
| ng/mL | 20.22 – 67.59 |
| nmol/L | 111 – 371 |
| µmol/L | 0.111 – 0.371 |
| µg/dL | 2.022 – 6.758 |
| ng/dL | 2022 – 6759 |
Source: Burlina et al. (2017): The utility of CSF for the diagnosis of primary and secondary monoamine neurotransmitter deficiencies, EJIFCC 28:64-75 (PMC) · Last reviewed: 2026-10-19
Note from the source: Adults above 16 years 111-371 nmol/L (100 individuals, one laboratory). Strongly age-dependent: 601-1397 nmol/L in the first month, 122-515 at 11-16 years. Another laboratory quotes 98-450 nmol/L for adults. 1 ng/mL = 5.49 nmol/L