Homocysteine Serum Test

Homocysteine test is done to check for deficiency of Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.
It is also used to screen for heart disease in people at high risk for heart attack or stroke
Also used to help diagnose a rare inherited disorder called homocystinuria in newborns

• Monitoring the deficiency of Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.
• Screening cardiovascular diseases in people who are at high risk for heart attack or stroke.
• Evaluating and diagnosing a rare inherited disorder called homocystinuria in newborns.
• Identifying blood vessel disorders, peripheral vascular diseases, and coronary artery diseases.

Homocysteine test measures the amount of Homocysteine in serum

The homocysteine serum test measures the level of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid molecule that is responsible for making proteins in the body. Normally, a healthy body will have low levels of homocysteine.

Homocysteine test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

The homocysteine serum test requires a blood sample. A healthcare professional will tie a tourniquet (elastic band) on the upper arm, and a blood sample will be taken from your vein using a small needle. The blood sample will be collected in a vial or test tube. You may only feel a little sting when the needle is inserted and taken out. The entire process will be done in less than five minutes.

High levels of Homocysteine may occur in patients deficient in Vitamin B12, B6 and Folic Acid
High levels occur in homocystinuria which is a rare genetic disorder of methionine metabolism.  Homocysteine is also an important marker for risk assessment of coronary artery disease. 
In pregnancy Homocysteine levels are low. Increased  Homocysteine is associated with increased risk of foetal defects, pre-eclampsia and recurrent pregnancy loss

Patients who have had heart strokes or heart attacks must take this test. Also, those who have health conditions that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high LDL, or bad cholesterol, should get this test done. This test is also recommended for people with a B deficiency.

It is suggested to fast (no food or liquid) for 8 to 12 hours before taking a homocysteine test. Also, as certain medicines may interfere with the test results, inform your doctor about all the medicines you take.

Normally, the homocysteine level should be less than 15.1 µmol/L. However, the normal level may vary slightly among different laboratory centres. If you have a high homocysteine level, it may mean that:

• You are malnourished, and your diet lacks vitamin B12 or folic acid.
• Your child (or you) has homocystinuria. Further tests are required to confirm the diagnosis.
• You are at a higher risk of blood vessel disorders, heart diseases, or stroke.
• You consume alcohol excessively.

Vitamin B deficiency and homocystinuria cause high levels of homocysteine. Certain health conditions that increase homocysteine levels include Alzheimer's disease, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, some types of dementia, and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, a higher homocysteine level doesn’t always denote a medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

Several factors can affect your test result, such as:

• Smoking history or habits: If you have extreme smoking habits (like chain smoking), your homocysteine levels will be higher.
• Medications: Certain medicines are known to elevate homocysteine.
• Your age: Older people have high homocysteine levels.
• Your sex: Males have higher homocysteine levels. Homocysteine levels in females increase after menopause.

• Homocysteine Test
• Total Homocysteine