Homocysteine test

Homocysteine test

Homocysteine is an amino acid present in the human body. It is produced when we eat food that contains protein. Adequate levels of homocysteine are responsible for the normal structure and regeneration of tissues. The effect of homocysteine is related to the levels of B vitamins and folic acid.

Elevated homocysteine

Numerous studies indicate that too high levels of homocysteine are linked to the risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases increases. Increased homocysteine caused due to folic acid deficiency means also an increased risk for pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage or fetal malformations. This is why it is so important for young women to take folic acid to ensure normal homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of neural tube defects in their children.

When to get the homocysteine test?

Homocysteine levels should be tested by patients:

• with a vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, manifested by the onset of anaemia or macrocytosis,

• with kidney failure,

• with a family history of cardiovascular disease,

• who suffered a heart attack or stroke with no known risk factor,

• who suffered a heart attack or stroke under the age of 40,

• with suspected homocystinuria disease as well as first-degree relatives of patients with homocystinuria.

Homocysteine - blood test

This is a simple blood test that involves taking a sample from a cubital vein. The patient should be fasting, i.e. refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the examination. A glass of water in the morning is acceptable.

Homocysteine examination can also be done from the patient's urine, and the presence of homocysteine in the urine always indicates abnormalities in the concentration of the amino acid.

Elevated homocysteine levels

Elevated homocysteine levels can be caused by:

• alcohol abuse,

• smoking,

• deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid,

• taking certain medications,

• kidney failure,

• hypothyroidism,

• chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases,

• genetic factors.

Laboratory test results

Taking blood for the test takes several (less than 20) seconds, while the whole procedure lasts a maximum of 5 minutes. It is very important to prepare for the examination: please make sure to arrive on an empty stomach, and please do not take any medications or supplements that day.

• If a patient is not properly prepared, the results will be unreliable.

• The test results are available within 3 working days.

• The patient can get their test results at the reception desk of the selected facility.

• Test results can also be accessed online. To access the results online, it is required to get a password available at the reception desk of the selected facility.