Homocysteine, Total
Also known as: HOMOCY-QNT
Use
Elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or inherited disorders of methionine metabolism. tHcy may also be used as a weak-graded risk factor for cardiovascular disease or stroke. Acceptable screening test for disorders of methionine metabolism (congenital hyperhomocysteinemia). Not recommended for risk assessment of cardiovascular disease or venous thromboembolism.
Special Instructions
Fasting specimen preferred. False elevations can occur if plasma or serum is not promptly separated from cells.
Limitations
Not recommended for risk assessment of cardiovascular disease or venous thromboembolism. False elevations of plasma or serum homocysteine may occur if plasma or serum is not promptly separated from the cells at the time of collection.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13965-9
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Green (lithium heparin), serum separator tube, or EDTA (K2 and K3).
Collection Instructions
Serum or plasma must be separated immediately after collection. If immediate centrifugation is not possible, collected blood specimens should be kept on ice and centrifuged within one hour.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Sodium citrate.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | 10 months |