Homocysteine Test: cost, Procedure and Risks

A homocysteine blood test measures the homocysteine levels in a blood sample. Homocysteine is an amino acid. The body employs amino acids, which are molecules, to create proteins.

Normally the homocysteine levels are low in the body. That's because the body utilizes vitamin B6,vitamin B12 , and folic acid (also named as folate or vitamin B9) in order to break down homocysteine and change it into other substances which the body needs. Homocysteine levels that are too high in the blood might indicate either a problem with this mechanism or a deficiency in vitamins.

Homocysteine levels that are too high can harm the lining of your arteries and increase your chance of developing blood clots. This might make you more vulnerable to heart attacks, strokes, and other heart issues and blood vessel conditions.

Other names: Other names are total homocysteine, plasma total homocysteine

Homocysteine Test Cost

In India, the Homocysteine test price is usually between ₹800 to ₹2,500 in different labs in various parts of India, including before and after services. Homocysteine is an amino acid that aids heart health and may indicate cardiovascular disease risk; blood levels of homocysteine can thus be tested. Costs impact your local diagnostic centers, and these can vary from one provider to another.

What is Homocysteine Test Used for?

A homocysteine test is used to:

Find out the deficiency in folic acid,vitamin B6, or vitamin B12. Homocysteine is broken down by these vitamins. So if your body doesn't get enough of these, your homocysteine levels will increase. To check the vitamin B levels, a blood test called a homocysteine test might be performed.
Aid in homocystinuria diagnosis. An uncommon hereditary condition called homocystinuria stops your body from utilizing a certain amino acid to create essential proteins. Although symptoms often develop in the first year of birth, they sometimes don't appear until childhood or later. Blood clots,vision issues, and weak bones are common symptoms.
If you already have a higher risk, you should better diagnose for the risk for a heart attack or stroke.Your doctor may prescribe homocysteine test if you have been diagnosed with blood vessel disease or if you have conditions that increase your chances for heart and blood vessel disease, including:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes

Routine homocysteine testing to assess a person’s risk of heart disease is not advised by medical professionals. This is so because it's unclear how much homocysteine levels impact heart and blood vessel conditions. Homocysteine reduction hasn't been found to minimize the risk of heart attack according to research.

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What is the need for a Homocysteine Test?

Dizziness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Skin discoloration
Heart palpitations
Sores on the tongue
Tingling sensation or numbness in your hands, feet, arms, and legs.

Doctor may prescribe this test if you have vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency due to:

Malnutrition
Increasing age (Older people often can't absorb enough vitamin B12 from food).
Have alcohol use disorder or drug addiction.

Doctor may recommend this test if you:

Have had a heart attack or stroke
Have one or more conditions that increase your risk for heart attack or stroke, such as high LDL "bad" cholesterol or high blood pressure

What Happens During Procedure of Homocysteine Test?

Homocysteine can be measured with a simple blood test. Here’s how it works:

Preparation: You might need to fast (not eat or drink anything) for 8–12 hours before the test. This will ensure that you get the correct results.
Sample Collection: A healthcare professional inserts a needle in your arm and collects a blood sample from a vein. It usually takes a matter of minutes.
Testing: Your blood sample will be sent to a lab for a homocysteine level measurement.

Answers are accessible in several days and may help review your danger for heart disease, vitamin

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How to Prepare for the Homocysteine Test?

Before a homocysteine test, you might need to fast (i.e., not eat or drink) for eight to twelve hours. Your test results might be impacted by some drugs and supplements. Inform your healthcare professional about all of your medications and dietary supplements, including vitamin B. However, do not stop taking any medications unless your doctor instructs you to.

Does the Test Include any Risks?

No, there is no risk or danger associated with this test. Even though you can have some little discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, mostly it goes in ew minutes.

What do the Findings Indicate?

A high homocysteine level might mean:

You do not consume enough folic acid or vitamin B12 in your diet.
You or your child have homocystinuria. You will likely require further tests to confirm a homocystinuria diagnosis.
Your have a high risk of the chance of developing heart disease, a stroke, or other problems with your blood vessels.

Other illnesses, including osteoporosis, chronic renal disease, hypothyroidism, Alzheimer's disease, or dementia, may also cause higher-than-normal homocysteine levels.

High homocysteine levels don't usually indicate a serious illness that needs medical attention. The outcomes could be impacted by:

The age: Your homocysteine levels might increase as you age.
gender: Homocysteine levels are typically greater in men than in women, but they rise in women following menopause.
Smoking

Speak with your provider if you have any questions regarding your results.

Important information to know about Homocysteine Test?

Your doctor could advise you to adjust your diet if you have high homocysteine levels. Make ensure you get the proper quantity of vitamins by eating a balanced diet. Consult your physician beforehand if you're contemplating taking vitamin supplements.

**Note- homocysteine Test costs in India at different locations may vary

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Homocysteine Test?

A Homocysteine Test is a blood test to measure homocysteine. It calculates the body's homocysteine levels, an amino acid. When diagnosing a vitamin B6, B9, or B12 deficiency, the test is frequently utilized.

What does having a high Homocysteine level mean?

A high homocysteine level can indicate that you don't receive enough folic acid or vitamin B12 in your diet. You are suspected to have a condition called homocystinuria.

What are the symptoms of Homocysteine?

The homocysteine symptoms are: Pale skin, Weakness, Fatigue, Tingling sensations, Dizziness, Mouth sores, Mood changes.

What is the normal level of Homocysteine?

Normal homocysteine levels are between 5 and 15 micromoles per litre (? mol/L). People who score 50 or higher are more susceptible to cardiovascular problems.

Which foods contain a lot of Homocysteine?

Dairy products and red meat contain a lot of Homocysteine and can raise homocysteine levels in the blood.

Which foods can lower Homocysteine?

Including more fruits and vegetables can help lower your homocysteine level. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are good sources of folate. Other good sources of folate are cereals.

What deficiencies cause Homocysteine?

Homocysteine is caused by nutritional deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

Is Homocysteine Test taken on an empty stomach?

Yes, Homocysteine Test is taken on empty stomach, you have to fast for 8 to 12 hours before this test.

What is the cost price of the Homocysteine Test?

The cost of the Homocysteine Test is between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1300. However, it may vary from place to place.

Where can I get Homocysteine Test in Hyderabad?

You can get Homocysteine Test at Medicover Hospitals, with this test you can also avail other pathology tests.