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    What is Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    A Homocysteine test assesses the level of homocysteine, an amino acid, in your blood. Amino acids like homocysteine play a vital role in protein synthesis within the body. Typically, homocysteine levels are kept very low due to the action of vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (also known as folate or folic acid), which rapidly convert homocysteine into other required substances. Elevated levels of homocysteine might indicate an issue with this conversion process or a deficiency in these B vitamins.

    Increased homocysteine levels can harm the arterial walls, potentially raising the risk of blood clots, which can subsequently lead to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Consequently, a Homocysteine test can help in identifying deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folate and assessing cardiovascular risk. It is also instrumental in monitoring the progression of heart disease in patients.

    Scheduling a Homocysteine test in Mumbai can be your initial step towards a deeper understanding of your amino acid levels. Detecting abnormal homocysteine levels early can assist in preventing severe cardiovascular problems and inform necessary lifestyle changes.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Parameters

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

    Normally, homocysteine interacts with B vitamins (B12, B6, and B9) and is converted into two important substances: methionine, which is an essential amino acid and antioxidant that supports protein synthesis, and cysteine, a nonessential amino acid derived from methionine. Cysteine supports communication between immune cells, helps reduce inflammation, and enhances liver health. Elevated homocysteine levels may point to a deficiency in B vitamins or other conditions that interfere with its breakdown. Therefore, measuring homocysteine levels allows doctors to detect health concerns early and prevent more serious complications.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Preparation

    Things to keep in mind before scheduling a Homocysteine test at home:

    • Prerequisites

    There’s no need to fast before undergoing a Homocysteine test.

    • Best Time to Get Tested

    The Homocysteine test can be booked at any time of the day.

    • Who Should Get a Homocysteine Test

    Consider a Homocysteine test if you want to check your amino acid levels. Testing for vitamins B6, B9, or B12 can offer additional insight into vitamin deficiencies. This test can also help in determining if you have coronary artery disease or if you’re at an increased risk. Furthermore, it’s useful for assessing how effective treatments are in lowering homocysteine levels.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Homocysteine Blood Test

    There’s no special preparation required, but B vitamin supplements may affect the test results. Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, or other treatments you’re taking.

    Why Take the Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    A Homocysteine test may be necessary if you exhibit symptoms of a vitamin B6, B12, or folic acid deficiency. These symptoms can vary in severity and may include:

    • Fatigue or weakness

    • Dizziness

    • Headaches

    • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

    • Changes in skin or nail colour

    • Mouth sores

    • Heart palpitations

    Your doctor might also recommend this test if you're at a higher risk of vitamin B deficiencies, particularly due to advanced age (as older adults often struggle to absorb vitamin B12 from food), malnutrition, or alcohol or drug addiction. This test could also be suggested if you:

    • Have suffered a stroke or heart attack

    • Have blood vessel problems or a heart disease

    • Have conditions that increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, such as hypertension or high cholesterol

    Homocysteine testing is also a part of newborn screening to detect homocystinuria, a rare genetic condition affecting amino acid processing.

    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

    Your homocysteine levels should ideally remain under 14.8 µmol/L. Elevated levels may suggest:

    • Homocystinuria, which requires further testing for confirmation.

    • Inadequate vitamin intake due to malnutrition or absorption issues.

    • Excessive alcohol consumption.

    • A higher risk of heart disease or stroke.

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

    However, elevated homocysteine doesn’t always indicate a medical condition. Several factors can influence levels, including:

    • Age : Homocysteine levels typically rise with age.

    • Sex : Men tend to have higher levels, and women may see an increase after menopause.

    • Smoking : A history of smoking can affect homocysteine levels.

    • Medications : Some medications may elevate homocysteine levels.

    If your homocysteine is elevated, consult your doctor to understand the meaning of the results and determine what steps to take next.

    FAQs on Homocysteine (HCY) Test in Mumbai

    The Homocysteine test price is ₹ 1200. This cost is inclusive of rapid home sample collection in 60 of booking, and the reports are available in 68 hours.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs ensures home sample collection for the Homocysteine test in Mumbai. Once confirmed, the sample will be collected from your home within 60 minutes, based on available time slots.

    The Homocysteine test is used to diagnose vitamin B6, B9, and B12 deficiencies, assess the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, monitor treatment aimed at lowering homocysteine, and screen for homocystinuria.

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

    Booking an at home blood test or health checkup through our platform is easy with these steps:

    • Search for the Test : Look for the Homocysteine test in Mumbai on Orange Health’s website.

    • Confirm Details : After selecting the test, review the prerequisites, enter your location, and schedule the sample collection time.

    • Sample Collection : A qualified eMedic will arrive at your home to collect the sample at the appointed time.

    • Lab Examination : Your sample will be sent to our ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited labs for analysis.

    • Results : Expect to receive your test results via email or WhatsApp within 68 hours, also accessible through the app.

    The typical range for homocysteine levels is 6.6 to 14.8 µmol/L. Speak with your doctor if your levels are higher than this.

    After booking your Homocysteine test, Orange Health Labs will send an eMedic to collect your blood sample within 60 minutes. The process takes just a few minutes, and results will be sent to you online within 68 hours.

    Based on your health status, your doctor will recommend how often you need to have a Homocysteine blood test.

    Only one parameter is measured by the Homocysteine test: the total homocysteine concentration in the blood.

    Orange Health provides the fastest Homocysteine test services right at your home across Mumbai, removing the need for a physical lab visit. We provide our services to numerous localities, including but not limited to Colaba, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Vashi, Belapur, Churchgate, Worli, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Powai, Chembur, Santacruz, Khar, Versova, Lokhandwala, Goregaon, Borivali, Kandivali, Mulund, Bhandup, Kurla.

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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