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

A Homocysteine Test measures the amount of homocysteine, an amino acid, in a sample of your blood. It helps determine if you are lacking vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid, which are necessary to break down homocysteine into other substances the body needs.

The Homocysteine Test is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health, as an elevated homocysteine levels an indicate an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It also helps detect deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, and folate. Regular monitoring through the Homocysteine Test can provide valuable insights for making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the health risks and improve overall well-being.

If the Homocysteine Test reveals high homocysteine levels, it may indicate a deficiency in vitamins B12, B6, or folate. Elevated homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of several health conditions, including osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attack, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing these levels promptly.

Normal levels of homocysteine in the blood are typically less than 15 micromoles per litre (μmol/L). Elevated levels are categorised as moderate (15-30 μmol/L), intermediate (30-100 μmol/L), and severe (greater than 100 μmol/L).

The benefits of the Homocysteine Test include identifying vitamin B12, B6, and folate deficiencies early, assessing the risk for cardiovascular diseases, diagnosing genetic conditions like homocystinuria, and helping to manage and treat underlying conditions contributing to high homocysteine levels.

High homocysteine levels typically don't cause direct symptoms in adults but can indicate underlying issues, such as vitamin deficiencies. A Homocysteine Test can help identify these concerns. Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies may include fatigue, mouth sores, tongue swelling, muscle weakness, pale or yellowish skin, mood changes, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, mental confusion, and weight loss.

Yes, homocysteine levels generally rise with age. As people get older, their bodies may become less efficient at metabolizing homocysteine, often due to lower levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folate. Regular monitoring through a Homocysteine Test can help detect elevated levels, enabling an early intervention and management of potential health risks related to ageing.

Typically, no special preparation or fasting is needed for taking a Homocysteine Test. However, your doctor may advise that you to stop specific medications or supplements prior to the test.

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers a hassle-free home sample collection service for the Homocysteine Test. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at a scheduled time to collect the blood sample.

Homocysteine Test results usually take around 6 hours to process, depending on the timing of sample collection and processing. Once the Homocysteine Test is complete, your healthcare provider will review the results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up actions based on the findings.