Test Entry - Detail

Homocysteine


General
  Clinical Use: Concentrations of Homocysteine(HCY)are increased in 15-40% of patients with coronary, cerebral or peripheral arterial disease. This association is independent from most other risk factors for arteriosclerosis, for example the lipid factors. HCY is thought to be a toxic factor directly involved in vascular cell wall damage. A clinically important observation is that high HCY may be corrected by folic acid, occasionally supplemented with vitamin B12 or pyridoxine. Elevated HCY levels are a marker of vitamin deficiency, especially folate and will often respond to folate supplementation. HCY may be elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease due to impaired removal from the blood by the kidney. There is a graded increase in the risk of stroke as HCY levels rise. Markedly high concentrations of HCY occur in patients with homocystinuria - a rare, inherited disorder of metabolism.
  Availability: Samples are tested routinely during the testing laboratory's hours of operation.
 
  Code: HCY
  Handling Instructions (to laboratory): Send sample chilled.
  Hyperlink:
  Reference Interval:
0m-6 months:  4-13
7m- 10 yrs:   3.0-8.0
11y-15 yrs:   4.0-10.0
16y-18 yrs:   4.0-11.0
>18yrs Male:  8.0-14.0
>18yrs Female:6.0-12.0


Collection Requirements
  Container: Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD),  
  Sample Type: See container
  Minimum Collection Volume: 1mL
  Collection Instructions: If sample will not reach laboratory within 1 hour of collection, it must be centrifuged to separate plasma from red cells.


Processing Requirements
  Alternate Containers:
Lithium Heparin-PST (GREEN)
  Processing Instructions:
  Minimum Assay Volume: 250uL
  Stability: 1 hour ambient (unseparated); 5 days chilled (separated); 2 years frozen
  Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory): Send sample chilled.


Testing Locations
  Performed at:
Section Department Site Contact Phone
Core Biochemistry Fiona Stanley Hospital 6152 8140
Core Biochemistry QEII Medical Centre 6383 4093


Last Updated : 21-10-2020 14:54