Homocysteine (HCY) (603)

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Category:

CPT Code:

83090

Test Type: 1.0 mL EDTA Plama Kit Based
Stability Time:

Stability

Refrigerated: 2 weeks

Reference Range:
  • Optimal: <10 µmol/L
  • Borderline: 10–14 µmol/L
  • Increased Risk: >14 µmol/L

Overview:

Homocysteine is a thiol-containing amino acid formed from methionine. Values >15 µmol/L have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.1

Methodology

Enzymatic

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for:1

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death
  • Premature coronary artery disease
  • Extracranial carotid-artery stenosis
  • Venous thrombosis
  • Stroke
  • Peripheral vascular disease

References:

  1. Clarke R, Halsey J, Lewington S, et al. Eff ects of lowering homocysteine levels with B vitamins on cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cause-specific mortality. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(18):1622-1630.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL EDTA plasma (0.5 mL minimum) collected in plasma separator tube (Pearl Top). Centrifuge blood samples immediately after collection to separate the plasma from the blood cells. If immediate centrifugation is not possible, collected blood specimens should be kept refrigerated and centrifuged within an hour, or kept on ice for up to 6 hours prior to centrifugation.

Alternate Specimen

N/A

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 2 weeks