Test Details & Preparation

• Homocysteine test is done to help determine if you are folate-deficient or vitamin B12-deficient to determine if you are at increased risk of heart attack or stroke to help diagnose a rare inherited disorder called homocystinuria.


• Homocysteine test is performed when your doctor suspects that you have a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency when you have had a heart attack or stroke and do not have traditional risk factors, such as unhealthy lipid levels as part of routine newborn screening or when a health practitioner suspects that an infant or young person may have homocystinuria.


• A blood sample taken by needle from a vein in the arm sometimes a urine sample in addition to the blood sample for a Homocysteine test.


• You may be instructed to fast for 10 to 12 hours prior to a Homocysteine test.


• In cases of suspected malnutrition or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, homocysteine levels may be elevated. If an individual does not get enough B vitamins or folate through diet or supplements, then the body may not be able to convert homocysteine to forms that can be used by the body.


• In newborn testing, greatly increased concentrations of homocysteine in the urine and blood mean that it is likely that an infant has homocystinuria and indicates the need for further testing to confirm the cause of the increase.


• Homocysteine levels can increase with age, when a person smokes, and with the use of drugs such as carbamazepine, methotrexate, and phenytoin.


• Homocysteine levels are lower in women than in men. Women's concentrations increase after menopause, possibly due to decreased oestrogen production.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed for Homocysteine test. You just have to inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing Homocysteine test.