Homocysteine
The test determines the homocysteine level — an amino acid involved in methionine metabolism. Elevated levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and thrombosis risk, and may indicate vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid deficiency.
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Draw blood fasting 8-12 hours;
- exclude fatty food and alcohol 24 hours before;
- avoid stress and physical activity 30 minutes before.
- Inform physician of hormonal, immune, or anti-inflammatory drug intake. Inform physician of B-group vitamin, folic acid, or coagulation-affecting drug intake.
- Elevated cardiovascular disease risk;
- family predisposition to thromboses;
- recurrent venous or arterial thromboses;
- suspected vitamin B6, B12, or folic acid deficiency;
- homocysteine metabolism disorder treatment monitoring.
Normal level — cardiovascular complication risk reduced.
Elevated level — may indicate elevated thrombosis and atherosclerosis risk, vitamin deficiency, or hereditary disorders.
Note: Physician interprets results.
