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:
- 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
Homocysteine
- Optimal: <10 µmol/L
- Borderline: 10–14 µmol/L
- Increased Risk: >14 µmol/L
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:
- 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.
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)
