Method Name
Chemiluminescence
Aliases
Homocysteine, Total; Homocysteine, Blood, Homocysteine - Blood
Specimen Required
one SST/gel tube. Fasting specimen is preferred.
Specimen Minimum Volume
2.0 mL of blood
Specimen Stability Information
Must be separated immediately after collection. Stable for 7 days refrigerated.
Special Instructions
Plasma total homocysteine is a graded risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The risk increases progressively with homocysteine concentration. Maintenance of homocysteine levels below 15 umol/L is recommended. False elevation of plasma or serum homocysteine may occur if the plasma or serum is not promptly separated from the cells at the time of collection. Total homocysteine levels will increase with age, smoking, and many drugs.
Performing Laboratory
As ordered. Turn around time is 24 hours.
Reference Values
5.0 – 13.9 umol/L