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Homocysteine Test
What is Homocysteine Test?
If you have high levels of homocysteine in your blood, it may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, heart disease, or a rare inherited disorder.
More about Homocysteine Test
Homocysteine is produced by the body. Homocysteine in the body is converted or recycled to methionine or cysteine, which are very beneficial to the body, with the help of several vitamin B proteins (B-Complex proteins), more importantly vitamin B12. A high level of homocysteine makes a person more prone to certain blood vessel damage, and hence seen as a risk factor for development of heart diseases. Your doctor may order a homocysteine test to assess the possibility of suffering from Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. The levels are also measured in elderly patients and malnourished individuals as they have increased propensity to vitamin B12 deficiency. Homeocysteine levels are also measured in patients known to have an increased risk of heart attack or other heart diseases. Additionally, these levels are also assessed in patient who have a family history of heart diseases but not presenting with any concerned risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity.
Reference Values
• Reference range depends on age, gender and medical history. A normal reference range is listed below.
• Homocysteine levels are typically higher in men than women and increases with age progression
• The normal range in adults: 2 micromoles per liter.
Interpretations
In cases of suspected malnutrition or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, increased homocysteine levels can be observed. If an individual is not able to get sufficient B vitamins and/or folate through dietary sources or supplements, then the body fails to convert homocysteine into cysteine, methionine and several other chemicals that have an important role to play in the growth, development, and protection to the body. Homocysteine is persistently elevated in people with a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why take to Homocysteine Test?
Your doctor suspects that you are
- Folate or vitamin B12 deficient
- At risk for heart disease
- You have had a heart attack and your doctor is monitoring the levels of homocysteine
Is this test for you?
Homocysteine test is ordered if your doctor feels that you have symptoms of a vitamin B or folic acid deficiency. These include:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Sore tongue and mouth
- Tingling sensation in the hands and feet that are typically seen in B12 deficiency
Homocysteine is also a commonly ordered test in patients who are at risk for heart disease or if you have a family history of heart disease. Furthermore, excess levels of homocysteine in your blood can clog your arteries outing you at risk for heart attack and stroke.
During an Homocysteine Test, what happens?
A small needle will be used by a health care professional to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. When the needle goes in or out, you may feel a slight sting. This usually takes under five minutes.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Homocysteine Test?
No, there is no risk associated with Homocysteine Test
What is the Homocysteine Test price?
The cost of the Homocysteine Test is Rs. 900 only.
Pre-Test Information
No Special Preparation Required.
No Special Preparation Required.
₹899.00
Home Collection-
Offer Price899.00
Total Amount₹899.00
*inclusive of all the taxes, fees and subject to availability