Homocysteine (Serum or Plasma, Mass Concentration)
This test measures the level of homocysteine, an amino acid in your blood. It can help assess risks related to heart disease, blood clots, or certain genetic conditions.
["Homocysteine levels may indicate risks for vascular health or genetic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30033-5
- Short code
- Deprecated (Hcys)2 6h p Met SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Deprecated (Hcys)2 6h p Met SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of heart disease, blood clots, or if you have a family history of conditions like homocystinuria. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting blood vessels or nerves.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
High homocysteine levels may increase the risk of blood clots, heart disease, or stroke. Low levels are less commonly associated with health concerns unless linked to specific medications or genetic factors.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure homocysteine concentration.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Factors that may affect homocysteine levels include diet (low in folate, vitamin B6, or B12), certain medications (like some antidepressants or diuretics), kidney disease, or genetic predispositions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Homocysteine plays a role in blood vessel health and nerve function. Elevated levels are often linked to increased cardiovascular risk, while very low levels may rarely indicate deficiencies in essential vitamins or metabolic disorders.
Short name
Homocysteine
Frequently asked questions
Why might my homocysteine test be ordered even if I don’t have symptoms?
What should I do if my homocysteine level is high?
Do vitamins or supplements affect homocysteine levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy