This test is aslo known as Homocysteine Cardiac Risk Test, Homocysteine Blood Test, Plasma Total Homocysteine & Homocysteine - Plasma.
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It aids in measuring the amount of an amino acid called homocysteine in the body. A high homocysteine level can damage the lining of the arteries.
The purpose of homocysteine blood test is to measure the amount of homocysteine in your body & to diagnose vitamin B6, B12 & B9 (B9 is also known as folate or folic acid) deficiency which are needed in breaking down homocysteine in the body. Due to deficiency of these vitamins or nutrients, your homocysteine levels can become elevated and as a result places you at a higher risk of CVD.
The homocysteine test evaluates your blood levels of this naturally occurring amino acid that serves in the body as an intermediate in the metabolism of methionine and cysteine. The amino acid is typically broken down in the blood into other substances which are needed by your body. Thus raised levels normally specify a deficiency of vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid (B9) because these vitamins help the body to quickly process homocysteine.
Homocysteine, an amino acid the body uses to produce proteins, should usually remain at low levels. This is due to the quick breakdown of homocysteine by essential B vitamins such as B12 (cobalamin), B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B9 (folic acid, the synthetic form of folate) to form other substances necessary for the body.
Generall, homocysteine test is ordered when your physician believe that your body is not quickly or properly processing homocysteine & you may have a deficiency of vitamin B12, B6, or B9( folate or folic acid). And this condition may also cause harm to the interior lining of arteries and increase the risk of blood clot formation, leading to heart attack, stroke, or other heart and blood vessel ailments.
The mild to severe symptoms that can include:
- Diarrhea
- Light-headedness
- Frequent headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth sores
- Paleness
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Sore tongue and mouth
- Tingling, numbness or burning in the feet, hands, arms, and legs (B12 deficiency can cause neuropathy)
Homocysteine testing may be ordered as part of assessing your risk of cardiovascular disease, depending on the individual’s age and other risk factors. It may also be ordered following a heart attack or stroke to help guide treatment.
Patient should fast for atleast 8 hours prior to sample collection.
Normally, no special preparation is required for a homocysteine test. However the doctor will tell you if you have to stop taking any medications or supplements before this test.
Same day or next day
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm known as "Vanipuncture".
Sample report in a format
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