Laboratory Medicine Program

Homocysteine

Clinical Decription:
Total homocysteine has emerged as an important risk factor in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine, a thiol-containing amino acid, is produced by the intracellular demethylation of methionine. Highly elevated levels of homocysteine are found on patients with homocystinuria, a rare genetic disorder of the enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. Homocystinuria patients exhibit arterial thromboembolism, mental retardation and early arteriosclerosis. Less severe genetic defects are also associated with moderate levels of homocysteine. (See package insert for more information).
<br/><em>DPL Immulite 2000 Manufacturer's Manual</em>

Method: Immulite 2000; Immulite 2000

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
5-15 umol/LMen tend to have higher levels than women. Postmenopausal women tend to have higher levels than premenopausal women.

Specimen Type: Plasma
Collected In: EDTA
Volume: 7 mL (minimum: 1.5 mL)

Shipping: Frozen at -20C

Special Instructions: Plasma must be separated within 20 minutes of collection

Testing Schedule(s): Weekly.

Turnaround Time: 7-10 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227