Homocysteine
Results
A homocysteine test measures the amount of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood.
Results are ready in 24 hours.
Normal
Normal values may vary from lab to lab.
Homocysteine Normal: Many conditions can affect homocysteine levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
High values
High values of homocysteine may be caused by:
- Not getting enough folic acid, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 in your diet.
- Other conditions or diseases, such as homocystinuria, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Alzheimer's disease, or certain cancers.
- Using too much alcohol.
- Your sex. Homocysteine levels are normally higher in men than in women.
- Age. Homocysteine levels get higher as you get older.
Low values
Low values of homocysteine may be caused by diabetes.
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: March 5, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |