What Is Homocysteine Test
Your body produces amino acids that affect the overall metabolism. Your healthcare provider might recommend getting a Homocysteine Test done periodically to ensure that your homocysteine levels are in check.
The Homocysteine Test is a laboratory blood test that measures the level of homocysteine in the blood. The blood test for homocysteine can help diagnose and monitor these conditions and assess the effectiveness of treatment. Medical experts often recommend it along with other tests that measure levels of nutrients such as folate and vitamin B12, which play a role in homocysteine metabolism. The test usually requires a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
About Homocysteine Test
Are you wondering what all the blood tests for homocysteine cater to? Read more to find out why you need to test for homocysteine levels and how you can prepare for the test.
Why Do I Need Homocysteine Blood Test?
Has your healthcare provider asked you to check your normal homocysteine levels? If yes, here are a few reasons why you should get yourself or your loved ones monitored at the earliest:
- Checking risks for heart disease: Experts have linked higher than normal homocysteine levels to an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and blood clot formation. A Homocysteine Test can help healthcare providers assess a patient’s risk of these conditions and determine if they need to take steps to lower their risk.
- Deciding the right course of treatment: If you have already been diagnosed with a condition related to high homocysteine levels, such as a vitamin deficiency or a genetic disorder that affects homocysteine metabolism, a Homocysteine Test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- Checking the symptoms related to abnormal homocysteine levels: Homocysteine levels may be measured if you have certain symptoms related to high homocysteine, such as poor circulation, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or a history of blood clots.
- Screening for inherited disorders: You might be at an increased risk of high homocysteine levels due to inherited disorders that affect homocysteine metabolism. A Homocysteine Test may be ordered to screen for these disorders in people with a family history.
How To Prepare For Homocysteine Level Test?
Wondering how to prepare for Homocysteine Testing? You might be required to:
- Fast for at least 8-12 hours before the test.
- Can only drink water and no heavy food items or fruits.
- Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history or any medications that you intake daily.
- Avoid smoking or drinking before the test.
What Happens During Homocysteine Blood Test?
Are you appearing for a Homocysteine Test? You can check the below-mentioned steps to mentally and physically prepare yourself before you reach the diagnostic center:
- Your healthcare provider will wrap a thin pipe around your arm tightly.
- The target area will be cleansed with rubbing alcohol.
- The expert will check for the vein in your arm and ask you to clench your fists tightly.
- Your healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from your vein using a syringe.
- Once the required amount is collected in the vial/test tube, the healthcare professional will remove the injection from your skin.
- The target area will be sealed with a bandage to avoid bleeding.
- The collected test sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Finding Homocysteine Test
Are you thinking of getting a Homocysteine Test done at home? Or would you prefer to visit your nearest diagnostic center only? Read more to find out what suits your lifestyle in the best way.
Can I Take Homocysteine Test At Home?
Yes, you can. You can contact your nearest diagnostic center to call a healthcare professional and get the Homocysteine Test done from the comfort of your home.
How Much Does Homocysteine Test Cost?
The Homocysteine Test price depends on the diagnostic center you choose to get it done. If you have insurance coverage, then it will cover your test cost. You can speak to your doctor to determine if you have an active plan; if not, you can get a new one at affordable rates.
Test Results Interpretation
Got your homocysteine blood test and are still trying to figure out the results? Read this section to understand how to assess normal homocysteine levels in your body.
What Do Homocysteine Test Results Mean?
Normal homocysteine levels should be less than 5-15 mg/uL. Anything more or fewer hints at abnormalities in the system.
Normal homocysteine levels | 5-15 mg/uL |
High homocysteine levels | 30-100 or more mg/uL |
Low homocysteine levels | Less than 5 mg/uL |
What Is Normal Homocysteine Level?
If your Homocysteine Test results show a unit between 5-15 mg/uL, this indicates a healthy and normal level. There is no cause for concern in this case.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Homocysteine Level?
If your homocysteine levels are high, your doctor might be looking at the following medical conditions:
- Malnourishment due to vitamin deficiencies.
- Consumption of excessive alcohol.
- Risks for heart disease or stroke.
- Homocystinuria.
- Hypothyroidism or Alzheimer’s disease.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Homocysteine Level?
If your homocysteine levels are low, your doctor might be looking at the following medical conditions:
- Inflammation in the body.
- Damaged tissues.
- Symptoms of the infection in the body.
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FAQs Around Homocysteine Test
What are the symptoms of high homocysteine?
If you have higher than normal homocysteine levels, you should check for paleness in the skin, fatigue, frequent mood changes, weakness, and dizziness.
When should homocysteine levels be checked?
If symptoms change your appearance and bodily functions and affect your daily routine, you must consult your healthcare provider and get a Homocysteine Test at the earliest.
What foods cause high homocysteine levels?
If your diet consists of high proteins like red meats, an excess amount of dairy products, and more, it can lead to high homocysteine levels.
What medications cause high homocysteine levels?
Methotrexate, 6-aziridine, nicotinic acid, and bile acid sequestrants are known to increase the homocysteine levels in the body.
Does homocysteine increase with age?
Your normal homocysteine levels might increase beyond 50 years of age.
Which foods reduce homocysteine?
Green, leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and seeds are known to lower homocysteine levels in the body.
What sample is required for the Homocysteine Test?
Homocysteine Testing requires your healthcare provider to draw out a simple blood sample from the vein in your arm.
