Synonyms: Plasma total homocysteine

NOTICE: This test is a component of the Heart Health Expanding Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Homocysteine blood testing is done to:* Help determine your risk for having heart disease, stroke, and diseases of the blood vessels. * Help identify vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. * Help identify a rare inherited disease (homocystinuria) that causes a deficiency of one of several enzymes needed to convert food to energy

Test Overview

Homocysteine testing may be most useful in checking the overall risk of heart disease for people who have a strong personal or family history of heart disease but who do not have other risk factors that can be controlled, such as smoking or high blood pressure. Homocysteine testing also may be useful for people who have early heart disease but who do not have known risk factors and for people who have had unexplained deep vein thrombosis.

How To Prepare

Patient needs to fast 10 to 12 hours.