Health Lab

Test Name:

HOMOCYSTEINE

Test Code:

2128702

Alias:

Hcy
LAB93
L-homocysteine

CPT Code(s):

83090

Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL serum

Container:

SST (gold)

Alternate Container:

Lithium Heparin (lt green)

Minimum Volume:

0.3 mL serum or plasma
This volume may not allow for repeat testing.

Collection Instructions:

SST specimens: Allow serum specimens to completely clot. Centrifuge for 15 minutes. The serum should be physically separated from contact with cells within one hour from the time of collection.

Lithium heparin specimens: Centrifuge for 15 minutes within one hour of collection.

Transport Temperature:

Refrigerated

Stability:

Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 weeks

Frozen: 10 months

Rejection Criteria:

Gross hemolysis

Schedule:

Set up: Daily; Results in 24-48 hours

Method:

Enzymatic assay

Clinical Significance:

Homocysteine is a by-product of protein metabolism. In small amounts, homocysteine is not harmful to the body or blood vessels, but when an excess amounts accumulate in the blood stream, arterial vessels may be damaged and the resulting inflammation may eventually cause blockage of blood to the heart. Recent evidence has also implicated elevated blood levels of homocysteine as a strong independent risk factor for developing various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Increased homocysteine levels is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, early pregnancy loss, premature delivery, low birth weight, placental abruption or infarction, and birth defects such as neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, club foot, and Down’s Syndrome.

Use:

Updated 02/22/22

Reference Range Table

Result	Units	Gender	Age	Range
Homocysteine	umol/L	Both	0 Year - 999 Year	0-15

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.