Patient Service Centers
Homocysteine
Homocysteine Test
Discover your homocysteine level with a simple blood test.
Also pay with
Homocysteine Test
$
$65
Test Details
Sample Type: Blood
Collection Method: In person at a Labcorp location
Age: 18+
Results: 1-2 days from when your sample arrives at our lab
HSA/FSA: Accepted
Test must be taken by purchaser
Preparation: Fast for 12 hours (no food or drink, except water) before sample collection.
What's Tested
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Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body through metabolism. Normally, the body breaks down homocysteine with the help of vitamins B6, B12 and B9 (also known as folate). An elevated homocysteine level could suggest a vitamin deficiency and may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Why Consider This Test
Worried about your heart health?
When homocysteine is not broken down properly, it can damage the lining of your arteries and make the blood clot more easily, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding your homocysteine level can help you assess whether you have a higher risk of a heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD) and more.2
Better understand your cardiovascular risk
Homocysteine can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If you have already been diagnosed with heart disease or have risk factors, an elevated homocysteine level may indicate another risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease.1
Monitor your homocysteine levels over time
For people who have cardiovascular disease or are at risk of developing it, testing can help you track changes in homocysteine levels so that you can keep tabs on your heart health and have informed discussions with your healthcare provider.2
1. MedlinePlus.gov. Homocysteine Test. Updated September 28, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/. Accessed November 13, 2024.
2. Familydoctor.org. High Homocysteine Level: How It Affects Your Blood Vessels. Updated September 6, 2024. https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/. Accessed October 20, 2024.
References:
<p>1. MedlinePlus.gov. Homocysteine Test. Updated September 28, 2022. <a title="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/</a>. Accessed November 13, 2024.<a title="https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/" href="https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a></p> <p>2. Familydoctor.org. High Homocysteine Level: How It Affects Your Blood Vessels. Updated September 6, 2024. <a title="https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/" href="https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://familydoctor.org/high-homocysteine-level-how-it-affects-your-blood-vessels/</a>. Accessed October 20, 2024.</p>
How It Works
Purchase Your Test
Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.
Provide Your Sample
Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.
Get Your Results
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
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Lipoprotein(a) Test
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Vitamin Deficiency @ Test
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FAQ
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High homocysteine levels can be caused by several factors including: vitamin deficiencies, genetic factors, medical conditions such as kidney or thyroid disease, certain medications, and lifestyle factors including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Homocysteine levels also tend to increase with age.
If you have questions about your homocysteine level, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and further evaluation.
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If you have a high homocysteine level, which is also sometimes referred to as hyperhomocysteinemia, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take supplements of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid (the human-made form of folate, also known as vitamin B9). It is important to consult with your provider to determine if supplementation is appropriate, and at what dosage, as too much vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid can have negative effects.
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Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.
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Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.
If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.
