Homocysteine
CPT Code(s):
83090
Turnaround Time:
1 - 2 days
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum or Plasma
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube and Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Plasma Sample: centrifuge and separate immediately. Serum Sample: Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate or Fluoride plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
14 days
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Homocysteine holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, in a patient's blood. It is primarily used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain metabolic disorders.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Homocysteine include:
1. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment: Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Homocysteine helps identify individuals who may be at higher risk, allowing for early intervention and management of cardiovascular risk factors.
2. Diagnosis of Homocystinuria: Homocystinuria is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize homocysteine properly. Homocysteine is used to diagnose this condition, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as intellectual disability, developmental delays, skeletal abnormalities, and increased cardiovascular risk. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
3. Assessment of Nutritional Status: Homocysteine levels can be influenced by nutritional factors, particularly the intake of vitamins such as folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Homocysteine helps evaluate an individual's nutritional status and detect deficiencies that can contribute to elevated homocysteine levels.
4. Monitoring Treatment Response: Homocysteine is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions aimed at lowering homocysteine levels. For individuals with elevated levels, lifestyle modifications and supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and folate may be recommended. Periodic testing helps assess the response to treatment and make necessary adjustments.
5. Thrombophilia Evaluation: High levels of homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of blood clotting disorders, known as thrombophilia. Homocysteine is used in the evaluation of individuals with recurrent blood clots to determine if elevated homocysteine levels contribute to their condition.
It is important to note that homocysteine levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, and underlying medical conditions. Interpretation of Homocysteine results should take into consideration individual patient characteristics and be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings.
In summary, Homocysteine is specifically used for assessing cardiovascular disease risk, diagnosing homocystinuria, evaluating nutritional status, monitoring treatment response, and assessing thrombophilia risk. Early detection of elevated homocysteine levels allows for targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease and other associated complications. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is essential to interpret test results accurately and implement appropriate management strategies.