Homocysteine is an intermediate in the synthesis of cysteine from methionine, via cystathionine. Deficiency of vitamins B12, B6 and/or folic acid can affect the enzyme pathways associated in the formation of cysteine, resulting in an elevated homocysteine in the blood. Numerous studies have shown an association between elevated levels of blood homocysteine and various vascular and cardio-vascular diseases. It is thought that homocysteine may act as a molecular abrasive damaging the inner layer of blood vessels causing an atherosclerotic lesion. Increased levels of homocysteine have been associated with advanced age, hypothyroidism, impaired renal function, and SLE. Medications known to elevate homocysteine are nicotinic acid, L-DOPA, theophylline and methotrexate.
REFERENCES:
- Clarke R., Daly L., Robinson K., et. al. Hyperhomocysteine: An independent risk factor for vascular disease. N Engl J Med, 1991, 324:1149-55.
- Caffaneo, M. Hyperhomocysteine, Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis. Thromb Haemost, 1998, 81:165-76.
- Herman, W. The importance of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for diseases: an overview. Clin Chem Lab Med, 2001, 39(8):666-74.
- CPT CODE:
- 82131
- COLLECTION CONTAINER:
- SST or red-stopper tube
- STATE & SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:
- We cannot ship lab kits to NY, AK, HI, or international
- MINIMUM VOLUME:
- 0.5 mL
- NORMAL VALUES:
- Reference values established in our laboratory are 5 to 15 umol/L
- PATIENT PREP:
- None
- PROCESS METHOD:
- The methodology for homocysteine is by Fluorescence Polarization Immuno Assay (FPIA).
- PROCESS TIME:
- 5 to 7 business days
- REJECTION CAUSES:
- Gross Hemolysis
- SPECIMEN VOLUME:
- 1 mL serum
- TRANSPORT CONTAINER:
- Plastic transport tube
- TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Refrigerate or freeze
