Homocyst(e)ine
Use
Screen patients who may be at risk for heart disease and stroke
Special Instructions
A fasting specimen is preferred to establish baseline values or monitor treatment. Immediate centrifugation of blood samples for plasma collection is crucial. If not possible, specimens should be kept on ice and centrifuged within an hour. Serum should be allowed to clot for 45 minutes and then centrifuged immediately.
Limitations
The test is not intended for diagnosing folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Severe homocyst(e)inemia is often caused by rare metabolic disorders, such as homozygous cystathionine-β-synthase deficiency. Conditions such as vitamin deficiency, advanced age, hypothyroidism, impaired kidney function, and systemic lupus erythematosus can associate with elevated levels. Certain medications might also elevate homocysteine levels.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13965-9
- 13965-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube, green-top (heparin) tube, red-top tube, or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Plasma: Centrifuge blood samples for plasma collection immediately. Keep specimens on ice if not immediately centrifugated and do so within an hour.
Patient Preparation
A fasting specimen is preferred to establish baseline values or monitor treatment.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. Stable at room temperature or refrigerated for 14 days. Stable frozen for six months.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen not separated from cells, gross hemolysis, whole blood tube without gel separator, plasma from sodium citrate or ACD tube.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 6 months |