Homocysteine Test
Learn more about the Homocysteine Test, its uses, result interpretation, etc. Click our short guide for more information and a free request form template.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is a Homocysteine Test?
A homocysteine test is a diagnostic blood test that measures the concentration of the amino acid homocysteine in the bloodstream. Practitioners usually use the test to identify deficiencies of B vitamins, specifically B6, B9, or B12.
The vitamins’ role is metabolizing homocysteine so that they may become vital substances required and used by the body. Should there be an inadequate amount of B vitamins to break down the homocysteine, the patient may have elevated homocysteine, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The test is also used to help diagnose a rare condition in newborns called homocystinuria. This disorder prevents the body’s ability to process specific amino acids.
The test’s procedure is simple and similar to other medical tests wherein a blood sample is collected from the patient to be processed in a laboratory and interpreted by the referring physician. Before the test, however, the patient may be required to fast for eight to twelve hours and inform the referring physician regarding any medication or supplements that may affect their test results.
One important thing to note with this test is that it must not used solely as the basis for a diagnosis.
Printable Homocysteine Test
Download our free printable Homocysteine Test PDF here
How does it work?
Step One. Access and Download the Template
Secure a copy of a digital and printable PDF file of the “Homocysteine Test” to bring out when needed by accessing and downloading the template, following either of the steps mentioned below:
- Click the “Use Template” or “Download Template” button
- Search “Homocysteine Test” in Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app.
Step Two. Interview, Assess, and Examine the Patient
Before requesting a Homocysteine test, it’s best to interview and assess your patient’s risk of developing a heart disease/stroke or perform a physical examination to determine if the test is the appropriate assessment, alongside others, for their medical history or symptoms. If it is, fill out the request form section of the template.
Step Three. Collect a Sample
Before collecting a sample, have your patient fast and bring a filled-out request form to the laboratory to prove that you requested the homocysteine test. Only then will the practitioner in charge collect a sample for analysis and interpretation.
Step Four. Analyze and Interpret the Results
When you and your patient have the results, you may proceed with analysis and interpretation. You can use the document section of the template for any findings or observations you may use as a guide or reference for further examination for diagnosis and treatment approach formulation.
Step Five. Store the Template Securely
Once completed, store the template securely. For physical copies, it’s recommended that you store them within the establishment for quick and easy retrieval. Digital copies are encouraged to be stored on Carepatron, a HIPAA-compliant, free patient records software, along with other patient records where you can limit viewing access to relevant parties only.
Homocysteine Test Example (sample)
We’ve created and provided a filled-out PDF file of the Homocysteine test template you can digitally access for an idea of what it can look like as a completed request form and/or document to write down analysis and interpretation notes. However, do note that the information in the sample template is fictional.
Click the “Download Example PDF” button or view the sample below to obtain a copy of the example template.
Download our example PDF of the Homocysteine Test
When would you use this test?
General physicians and nurses can request a homocysteine test in the following situations:
Identifying the Cause of Symptoms and Diagnosing
If the referring physician suspects that the patient has vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamin B6, B12, or B9, they may request the patient to undergo a homocysteine test. Signs or symptoms of having a deficiency of mentioned B vitamins are fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches, mouth sores, skin/nail color changes, and tingling/numbness in the extremities.
Although the homocysteine test isn’t meant to be the sole basis for diagnosis for adults, it can be used to diagnose homocystinuria in newborns. This rare genetic condition impairs one’s ability to process particular amino acids. Early detection and diagnosis are essential for immediate management and intervention.
Monitoring Risk Assessment and Condition
A healthcare practitioner may request a homocysteine test to assess a patient’s risk of heart disease, stroke, or other problems related to the blood vessels, especially if they have a history of the disease or have high blood pressure. Aside from that, if the patient is already diagnosed with a heart disease, the practitioner can use the homocysteine test to monitor the progression of their condition. Having the results from this test can help the practitioner make informed decisions regarding the next steps.
It’s important to note that there are still studies concerning the associated contribution of elevated homocysteine levels to heart and blood vessel diseases. Therefore, healthcare practitioners are encouraged to make decisions based on their expertise, the patient’s risk factors, and clinical indicators rather than ordering routine testing.
What do the Results Mean?
Like all medical tests, analysis, and interpretation must consider the context of the patient. However, if you need a guideline that outlines the typical meaning of different homocysteine levels you may encounter and write down on your free Homocysteine Test, keep reading below:
- Normal Range: If the patient’s homocysteine levels fall between the general optimal range, which is between 0 to 14.5 µmol/L, then it means that they are most likely in good health.
- Below the lower limit: If the patient’s homocysteine levels are below the lower limit, generally, it’s associated with good health. However, it’s important to consider whether vitamin supplementation affects the levels.
- Higher than the upper limit: If the patient’s homocysteine levels are beyond the upper limit, it may suggest deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate or malnutrition. This means they are at greater risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Very high levels: Any result that exceeds 100 µM means that the patient has severe hyperhomocysteinemia and must be given medical attention immediately.
If newborns have significantly increased concentrations of homocysteine in their blood and urine, it means that they have homocystinuria. Further testing may be required for early diagnosis, management, and intervention.
Why use Carepatron as your Homocysteine app?
Aside from being a software and app where you and fellow healthcare practitioners can get a homocysteine test template, Carepatron is a general practice software that can aid you in every step of caring for your patient.
Manage your practice more efficiently by using our tools and features to automate tasks and streamline processes related to:
Clinical Documentation
There are over 1,000 templates of medical documents and notes you can choose from, use, customize, and complete from our template library, effectively saving you both the time and effort from creating your own from scratch.
Medical Scheduling
Control your schedule by allowing your patients to request appointments independently. Then, reduce no-shows by reminding them of approved upcoming appointments via automated reminders, which you can set up on Carepatron.
Medical Billing
Offer your patient alternative payment options, create invoices in minutes with templates, send automated payment due reminders, and easily process payments with Carepatron.
Patient Records
On our patient portal, you can effortlessly input, search, and update patient information and details.
Don’t miss out on the chance to raise the caliber of your practice with a practice management software like Carepatron. Sign up for free access and an account today!
References
Özkan, Y. (2007, March 1). Usefulness of homocysteine as a cancer marker: total thiol compounds and folate levels in untreated lung cancer patients. Anticancer Research. https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/27/2/1185
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Homocysteine test. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22393-homocysteine-test
Yuan, S., Mason, A. M., Carter, P., Burgess, S., & Larsson, S. C. (2021). Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Medicine, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-021-01977-8
Commonly asked questions
General practitioners, nurses, and specialists like cardiologists, hematologists, genetic counselors, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, and gynecologists will most likely request a homocysteine test.
A homocysteine test is often used to identify any B vitamin deficiencies in a patient.
Collection for the homocysteine test can take a few minutes. However, results will only be available in 1-2 days.
