Homocysteine Test

• Homocysteine test is done to check for deficiency of Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.
• Used to help diagnose a rare inherited disorder called homocystinuria in newborns
• Screening cardiovascular diseases in people who are at high risk for heart attack or stroke.
• Identifying blood vessel disorders, peripheral vascular diseases, and coronary artery diseases.

The homocysteine serum test measures the level of homocysteine in your blood, an indicator of cardiovascular diseases.

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 an 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. 

Doctors or other healthcare providers may prescribe a homocysteine test if they suspect a vitamin B deficiency in the patient. Major symptoms of vitamin B deficiency include:

• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Scaly skin
• Continuous headache
• Changes in skin colour, or fingernails
• Problems with memory, concentration, or body balance
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the fingers and toes
• Swelling or redness in the tongue
• Depression

There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

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. 

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
• Serum Homocysteine
• Homocysteine Cardiac Risk