Test Overview
Chemiluminescent Assay
Assessment of risk for occlusive vascular disease, obstetric complications (recurrent spontaneous abortion, gross placental infarction), and neural tube defects (hyperhomocysteinemia). Patients taking methotrexate, nicotinic acid, theophylline, nitrous oxide or L-Dopa may have falsely elevated Homocysteine levels. S-adenosyl-methionine is an antidepressant that is structurally similar to S-adenohomocysteine. Individuals taking this drug may show elevated levels of Homocysteine.
4 - 14 mcmol/L. The population determined reference interval for homocysteine is 4-14uM. However, studies have shown a gradual increase in risk for atherosclerosis as homocysteine levels increase above 11 uM.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Homocysteine levels may be affected by gross hemolysis or lipemia.
Test Details
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Collect blood in a lavender top tube from a fasting patient. Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into plastic vial within 30 minutes of collection. Freeze (preferred) or refrigerate up to 2 days; specimens stored at room temperature are unacceptable.
Fasting specimen preferred. Place on ice immediately and deliver to lab or aliquot within 30 minutes.