ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Homocysteine, Total : 0099869

Mnemonic: HOMOCY-QNT

Ordering Recommendation: Not recommended for risk assessment of cardiovascular disease or venous thromboembolism. Acceptable screening test for disorders of methionine metabolism.
Methodology: Quantitative Enzymatic
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Fasting specimen preferred.

Collect: Green (sodium or lithium heparin) or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within one hour of collection. If specimen cannot be separated from cells within one hour, store specimen on ice. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Sodium citrate.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 1 hour; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 months
Reference Interval:
< 11 µmol/L, for both male and female
Interpretive Data: Elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, or inherited disorders of methionine metabolism. tHcy may also be used as a weak-graded risk factor for cardiovascular disease or stroke.
Note:  False elevations of plasma or serum homocysteine may occur if the plasma or serum is not promptly separated from the cells at the time of collection.
CPT Code(s): 83090