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    What is Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    A Homocysteine test measures the concentration of the amino acid homocysteine in your blood. Amino acids like homocysteine are crucial for protein synthesis within the body. Normally, homocysteine levels are very low because vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (also known as folate or folic acid) efficiently convert homocysteine into other essential chemicals. Elevated homocysteine levels may signal a disruption in this conversion process or a deficiency in these B vitamins.

    High levels of homocysteine can damage the arterial walls, which can lead to an increased risk of blood clots. This, in turn, heightens the chances of developing coronary artery disease, experiencing a heart attack, or having a stroke. Therefore, a Homocysteine test can help doctors identify deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folate, and evaluate the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also useful in monitoring patients with heart disease to track any deterioration in their condition.

    Getting a Homocysteine test in Delhi can be a crucial first step towards understanding your amino acid levels. Early detection of abnormal homocysteine levels can aid in preventing serious cardiovascular issues and guiding you towards necessary lifestyle adjustments.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Parameters

    The Homocysteine test focuses on a single parameter: measuring the homocysteine levels present in the blood.

    Under normal circumstances, homocysteine interacts with B vitamins (B12, B6, and B9) and is converted into two key substances: methionine, an essential amino acid and antioxidant crucial for protein synthesis, and cysteine, a nonessential amino acid produced from methionine. Cysteine plays a role in reducing inflammation, enhancing communication among immune cells, and promoting liver health. Elevated homocysteine levels in the blood may indicate a deficiency in B vitamins or other conditions that hinder the breakdown of homocysteine. Thus, by measuring these levels, doctors can identify potential health problems early and work to prevent serious complications.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Preparation

    Consider the following before scheduling a Homocysteine test at home:

    • Prerequisites

    Fasting is not required for the Homocysteine test.

    • Best Time to Get Tested

    You can schedule the Homocysteine test at any time of the day.

    • Who Should Get a Homocysteine Test

    If you’re looking to check your amino acid levels, a Homocysteine test might be beneficial. Additionally, it’s helpful to test for vitamins B6, B9, or B12 to get a comprehensive understanding of any vitamin deficiencies. This test can help determine whether you have coronary artery disease or are at risk for it. It can also evaluate the success of treatments aimed at reducing homocysteine levels.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Homocysteine Blood Test

    No special preparations are needed. However, taking B vitamin supplements can impact the results. Make sure to inform your doctor about any medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, or supplements you are currently taking.

    Why Take the Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    You may need a Homocysteine test if you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate a deficiency in vitamins B6, B12, or folic acid. From moderate to severe, symptoms could vary and include:

    • Headaches

    • Dizziness

    • Fatigue or weakness

    • Mouth sores

    • Changes in skin or nail colour

    • Tingling or numbness in your extremities

    • Heart palpitations

    Your doctor may also suggest this test if you are at high risk for vitamin B deficiencies due to factors such as advanced age (since older adults often have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food), malnutrition, or issues like alcohol or drug addiction. Additionally, the test could be suggested if you:

    • Have heart disease or vascular issues

    • Have had a stroke or heart attack

    • Have high blood pressure or cholesterol, two risk factors for heart disease and stroke

    Additionally, Homocysteine testing may be included in newborn screening for homocystinuria, a rare inherited disorder affecting the body’s ability to process certain amino acids.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Results and Interpretation

    The table below provides the normal values of the Homocysteine test:

    TestReference Range
    Homocysteine (HCY)6.6 - 14.8 µmol/L

    Abnormal Levels

    Generally, homocysteine levels should be below 14.8 µmol/L. If your levels are elevated, this could indicate:

    • Excessive alcohol consumption.

    • Inadequate vitamin intake due to poor nutrition or difficulty absorbing vitamins.

    • Homocystinuria, which would require further diagnostic testing.

    • Heightened risk of stroke or heart disease.

    • Other health conditions such as kidney disease, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, or dementia.

    It’s important to note that high homocysteine levels don’t always signify a health problem. Factors that may affect levels include:

    • Sex : Men generally have higher levels, and women may experience an increase after menopause.

    • Age : Homocysteine tends to rise with age.

    • Medications : Certain drugs can raise homocysteine levels.

    • Smoking : Smoking history can impact homocysteine levels.

    If your homocysteine levels are elevated, it’s essential to discuss the results with your doctor to better understand the implications and decide on the next steps.

    FAQs on Homocysteine (HCY) Test in Delhi

    The Homocysteine test price is ₹ 1200. This cost includes the fastest home sample collection within 60 of booking, and the reports are available in 69 hours.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs provides Homocysteine test sample collection from home in Delhi. Your sample can be collected at home within 60 minutes after test confirmation, depending on the available time slots.

    A Homocysteine blood test helps identify deficiencies in vitamins B9, B6, and B12, assess cardiovascular risk, monitor the effectiveness of treatment to lower homocysteine levels and detect homocystinuria.

    No, fasting is not needed for the Homocysteine test at home.

    To book a blood test or health checkup from home via our platform, follow these steps:

    • Find the Test : Search for the Homocysteine test in Delhi on Orange Health's website.

    • Review and Confirm : Select the test, check the prerequisites, enter your location, and choose a convenient time for sample collection.

    • Sample Collection : A certified eMedic will visit your home at the scheduled time to collect the sample.

    • Lab Processing : The sample will be processed in our ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited labs.

    • Receive Reports : You will receive your test results via email or WhatsApp within 69 hours, with access available through our app.

    Normal homocysteine levels generally fall between 6.6 and 14.8 µmol/L. If your levels exceed this range, it’s important to consult your doctor.

    When you book your Homocysteine test, an eMedic from Orange Health Labs will arrive to collect your blood sample within 60 minutes. The home collection process is quick, and you’ll receive your results online in 69 hours.

    Your doctor will determine how frequently you should undergo a Homocysteine blood test depending on your specific health condition.

    The Homocysteine test is designed to measure a single parameter: the total amount of homocysteine present in the blood.

    With Orange Health, you can get the Homocysteine test quickly and conveniently at home throughout Delhi, without needing to visit a physical lab. Our services cover various localities, including but not limited to Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Janakpuri, Rajouri Garden, Rohini, Pitampura, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Laxmi Nagar, Green Park, Safdarjung Enclave, New Friends Colony, Defence Colony, Kalkaji, Malviya Nagar, Nehru Place.

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    References

    1. Homocysteine Test [Internet]. Medline Plus.  Available from:  https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/homocysteine-test/
    2. Homocysteine [Internet]. University of Rochester Medical Center.  Available from:  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=homocysteine
    3. Homocysteine Test [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic.  Available from:  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22393-homocysteine-test