Homocysteine
The Homocysteine Test measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body should break down using vitamins B6, B12, and folate. High homocysteine levels can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, an increased risk of heart disease, or problems with metabolism. This test is often used to evaluate cardiovascular health, check for vitamin imbalances, and assess the risk of blood clots or stroke.
Test details
Sample type
Blood
Time of day
Samples should be collected between 7-9 am
Fasting required
Yes
Results timeframe
Within 7 days
Preparation
Fast for 8-10 hours before the test; avoid food and beverages other than water; continue taking prescribed medications.
What's measured in this test
Homocysteine
High levels linked to heart and blood vessel risk.
Common reasons for testing
- Assessing heart disease or stroke risk – High homocysteine levels are linked to blood vessel damage and an increased risk of heart problems.
- Checking for vitamin B deficiencies – Low levels of vitamin B6, B12, or folate can lead to elevated homocysteine levels.
- Investigating unexplained blood clots – High homocysteine may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or stroke.
- Monitoring metabolic disorders – Helps detect genetic conditions that affect how the body processes amino acids.
- Brain health concerns – Some research links high homocysteine to cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- What This Test Checks For
- This test measures homocysteine levels in the blood.