Explore this test

  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
DOWNLOAD SPECIMEN PREP FLYER

Explore this test

Test Code 603

Test Details

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is a thiol-containing amino acid formed from methionine. Values >15 µmol/L have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.1

Methodology

Enzymatic

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

Red & Yellow Top Tube
(CAT serum separator clot activator with gel)

Alternate Specimen

Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

References:

  1. Clarke R, Halsey J, Lewington S, et al. Eff ects of lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamins on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cause-specific mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(18):1622-1630.
Lab Values

Lab Values

Homocysteine

  • Optimal: <10 µmol/L
  • Borderline: 10–14 µmol/L
  • Increased Risk: >14 µmol/L
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Homocysteine

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for:1

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death
  • Premature coronary artery disease
  • Extracranial carotid-artery stenosis
  • Venous thrombosis
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral vascular disease

References:

  1. Clarke R, Halsey J, Lewington S, et al. Eff ects of lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamins on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cause-specific mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(18):1622-1630.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Homocysteine

Treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia for high risk values >15 µmol/L:

  • Control all standard cardiovascular disease factors:
    • Blood glucose: <125 mg/dL
    • HbA1c: <6.5%
    • Systolic blood pressure: <130 mmHg
    • LDL-C: <100 mg/dL
  • Folate (800 µg/day),vitamin B12 (0.5 mg/day) and vitamin B6 (20 mg/day),and recheck values in 6 months

Treatment of borderline values between 10-15 µmol/L:

  • Daily multivitamin tablet containing the recommended daily allowances of folate (400 µg/day), vitamin B12 (2.4 µg/day) and vitamin B6 (1.5 mg/day)
Clinical Significance