Homocysteine Test

What is Homocysteine?

Homocysteine is a sulfur-group containing an amino acid that is produced in our body. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. They are all formed naturally in the body during various steps of metabolism. Homocysteine is formed by chemically altering adenosine. The normal content of Homocysteine is around 4-15 µml/L usually. If found in excess it might be a matter of concern. Homocysteine is metabolized by Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and folates.

What is the Homocysteine test?

A homocysteine test is used to monitor and measure the homocysteine content in the blood.

What are the alternative names of the Homocysteine Test?

The alternative names of Homocysteine Test are Plasma Total Homocysteine, Urine Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiac Risk.

Why did my doctor ask me to undergo Homocysteine Test?

If your doctor has recommended you to undergo the Homocysteine Test, he might be suspecting:

– Deficiency of Vitamin B6, B12, and B9.
– An increased rate of a heart attack or other heart diseases.
– High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
– A rare hereditary disease called homocystinuria in newborns.

When should I take a Homocysteine Test?

There are a few symptoms associated with an increased level of homocysteine in the blood. If these symptoms are noticed, it is significantly suggested to undergo this test. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

– Pale skin
– Dizziness
– Mood swings
– Blood clots
– Fatigues
– Mouth sores
– Weakness and osteoporosis(bone weakening or hollow bones)
– Visual abnormalities
– Drastic weight loss
– Forgetfulness or any other similar psychological changes

What are the preparations needed for the Homocysteine test?

– There is a requirement of 10 – 12 hours of fasting prior to the test.
– No medications should be stopped unless your doctor tells you to.
– No new medications should be included.

What is the procedure of the Homocysteine Test?

For Homocysteine Test to be conducted the blood sample is collected by the following procedure:

– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.

– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.

– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.

– The tourniquet is unwrapped.

– An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.

– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.

– The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the homocysteine test.

Is the Homocysteine Test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain goes away within a few hours.

What are the risks of the Homocysteine Test?

There are no risks related to this test. The procedure of blood collection might have some risks associated with it:

– Some people feel light-headed and dizzy after the blood is drawn.

– It might cause Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise).

– There might be pain associated with too many punctures for finding a vein.

What is the price of the Homocysteine Test in India?

The price of the Homocysteine test in India ranges from Rs 650 – Rs 2000. It can vary with various locations around the country.

When will I get my Homocysteine test results?

You will get your HomocysteineTest results within 24 to 36 hours of the test.

What does my result depict?

The clinical range of Homocysteine in males and females are listed below:

What does a high homocysteine level indicate?

If your homocysteine levels are high, the following can be the indications:

– Deficiency vitamin B12, B6, or folic acid in your diet.
– A higher risk of heart disease.
– Homocystinuria.

Is it safe for pregnant women to undergo Homocysteine Test?

The Homocysteine test procedure involves the collection of the blood sample via venipuncture. Thus there are no risks posed by the Homocysteine test to the mother as well as the baby.

Is Homocysteine Test recommended for kids?

A homocysteine test is a very simple and safe procedure in which a blood sample is collected via venipuncture. This test poses no risk to kids hence it is totally safe for a kid to undergo Homocysteine Test. the only risks attached to this test are the risks associated with the venipuncture i.e. bleeding, bruising, etc.

When should I get my kid a Homocysteine Test?

The kids with increased systolic pressure, abnormally increased body weight and few other symptoms as listed above, are suggested to undergo the Homocysteine Test. The kids having a family history of cardiovascular diseases or deaths caused due to cardiovascular problems are also recommended to undergo the Homocysteine Test.