AsseyMethod: Photo Colorimetric
Abbrevation: HCY
Sector: Biochemistry
SampleType: PE,U
S.Vol: -
Transport: 0.5 hrs. at 0˚c
Storage: 1 hour at 0˚c
Test Name: Homocysteine
Normal Range: Normal 5-15 Leak of vitamin:15-30 Hetrozygote:31-100 Homozygote>100
To find out if you are at high risk of a heart attack or stroke; also used to determine if you are folate-deficient or vitamin B12-deficient as blood homocysteine concentration can be raised in both conditions
If you have had a heart attack or stroke, particularly in the absence of traditional risk factors or as part of a cardiac risk assessment
A blood sample taken by needle from a vein in the arm
You may be instructed to fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to this test
This test measures the level of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that is normally present in very small amounts in all cells of the body. Homocysteine is a product of methionine metabolism, and methionine is one of the eleven “essential” amino acids (an essential amino acids must be derived from the diet since the body cannot make them). In healthy cells, homocysteine is quickly converted to other products.
Folic acid (folate) is one of the "B" vitamins that is needed to metabolise homocysteine. Vitamin B12, another B vitamin, helps keep folate in its active form, allowing it to keep homocysteine levels low. People who are deficient in these vitamins may have increased levels of homocysteine.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in your arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
You may be instructed to fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to this test