Homocysteine Test: Purpose, Procedure, Price Range and Results

Homocysteine is an amino acid that can form when there is a problem with the body's amino acid processing. It can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. A blood test to measure homocysteine levels is often done as part of a routine health checkup. In a healthy human, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid are responsible for breaking down homocysteine.

Homocysteine is produced when the body breaks down proteins. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and various other medical conditions. There are several ways to measure your homocysteine levels, but the most common procedure is a blood test.

Homocysteine is Mainly Converted into Two Substances:

Methionine: 

Methionine is responsible for creating protein, thus making it crucial to our functioning.

Cysteine: 

Cysteine is generated from methionine and is important for the well-being of your liver.

The deficiency of important vitamins like B6 and B12 is one of the primary reasons leading to increased homocysteine in your body.

What DoYou Need to Know About The Homocysteine Test?

The purpose of the homocysteine test is to detect problems with the body's amino acid processing and to determine whether or not treatment is necessary. The test can be used to screen people at high risk for these conditions. The procedure for performing the homocysteine test is simple and usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Most insurance companies cover the cost of homocysteine test.

Signs & Symptoms You Should Take A Homocysteine Test

The sign and symptoms that may indicate you have an issue of homocysteine levels are as follows:

Lethargy: 

If you are constantly feeling weak and tired despite resting properly and maintaining a clean diet, your doctor might recommend you take a homocysteine test.

Seizures: 

Seizures are a more extreme symptom that might indicate the fact that it is time for you to take a homocysteine test.

Dislocation of The Lens of The Eye: 

This is one of the most extreme signs, leading to doctors recommending a homocysteine test. Since your eye is one of the most important parts of your body, it is crucial to be proactive and look for any changes to your eyes so that you can seek medical help before things get worse.

Osteoporosis: 

This is a condition where your bones get weak, leading to you experiencing extreme back and joint pains. If not treated in time, osteoporosis can lead to fractures. 

Blood Clots:

If not treated promptly, blood clots can be fatal. Untreated blood clots lead to heart attacks and strokes. If your doctor has reasons to believe that you have a blood clot, they might recommend you take a homocysteine test.

The Procedure of Homocysteine Test:

A blood sample is obtained from the patient by venipuncture. The levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are measured in the sample. Then, the level of homocysteine is calculated using these values.

Preparations for The Homocysteine Test:

• For the test results to be accurate, the blood needs to be collected from a patient in a fasting state.
• The patient needs to fast for at least 10 to 12 hours before blood is collected to avoid affecting the test result negatively.
• Typically, overnight fasting is preferred as this makes it easier for the health care professional to collect the blood in the morning.
• Overnight fasting is also ideal as you will spend most of your hours sleeping and not working, thus avoiding lethargy and weakness.
• It is imperative to note that drinking water is acceptable during this period. Refraining completely from drinking water is not recommended.
• For diabetics, consulting physicians to understand if they can take the medicines that they usually take, either orally or through injections, is imperative.
• Morning beverages like tea and coffee should also be refrained from until the blood sample is collected. 

What are Some of The Costs Associated with The Homocysteine Test?

It is recommended to do the homocysteine test from a trustworthy lab with a proven track record. You can get this test done at Metropolis Healthcare Lab for a price of ₹1350. Expert healthcare professionals will visit your home or the location of your choice to collect the blood sample. The entire process is swift and simple. 

What are The Risks of High Levels of Homocysteine?

The purpose of a homocysteine test is to determine if someone has high levels of the amino acid homocysteine. A homocysteine test can also be used to screen for risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

What are The Benefits of Low Levels of Homocysteine?

The benefits of low levels of homocysteine are still being studied, but it is thought that they may play a role in preventing heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and some forms of cancer. 

How Can You Measure Your Homocysteine Level?

The most common homocysteine test is the methionine/homocysteine test. It's a blood test that measures the levels of methionine and homocysteine together. There are a variety of tests available that measure homocysteine levels. The most common type of test is an immunoassay test. This test uses antibodies to detect the level of homocysteine in the blood. A more complicated type of test, called a chemiluminescence assay, uses light to detect the level of homocysteine in the blood. If you are concerned about your homocysteine level, it is important to talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.

Conclusion

A homocysteine test is a blood test that can be used to diagnose various medical conditions. The purpose of a homocysteine test is to measure the level of this compound in the blood. When you pay for a blood test, you want the process to be swift and the results to be accurate. This is why you should only rely on a brand like Metropolis Healthcare. With labs spread across India and many African and Asian countries, Metropolis Healthcare Laboratories is a name you can trust. The professionalism and experience of your healthcare professionals mean that you won't have any trouble when you book your next homocysteine test with us.