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    What is Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    A Homocysteine test measures the level of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. Amino acids, like homocysteine, are vital for protein synthesis in the body. Homocysteine levels in the blood are normally very low because vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (also known as folate or folic acid) rapidly convert homocysteine into other chemicals that the body needs. Elevated homocysteine levels may indicate a disruption in this process or a deficiency of these B vitamins.

    High homocysteine levels can damage the arterial walls, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots. 1 This, in turn, raises the likelihood of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Therefore, a Homocysteine test can help doctors identify deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folate and assess the risk of heart disease and stroke. This test also aids in monitoring patients with heart disease to determine if their health is deteriorating.

    Getting a Homocysteine test in Bangalore today can be your first step towards a better understanding of your amino acid levels. Early detection of abnormal homocysteine levels can help in preventing serious cardiovascular issues and guide you towards necessary lifestyle changes.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Parameters

    The Homocysteine test focuses on only one parameter: measuring homocysteine levels in the blood.

    Normally, homocysteine interacts with B vitamins (vitamins B12, B6, and B9) and is transformed into two key substances: methionine, an essential amino acid and antioxidant vital for protein synthesis, and cysteine, a nonessential amino acid derived from methionine. Cysteine reduces inflammation, enhances communication between immune cells, and promotes liver health. High levels of homocysteine in the blood may indicate a deficiency of the B vitamins or other conditions that disrupt the breakdown of homocysteine. By measuring homocysteine levels, doctors can detect potential health issues early on and prevent serious complications.

    Homocysteine (HCY) Test Preparation

    Consider the following points before scheduling a Homocysteine test at home:

    • Prerequisites

    Fasting is not necessary for the Homocysteine test.

    • Best Time to Get Tested

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

    • Who Should Get a Homocysteine Test

    You might consider having a Homocysteine test to check for your amino acid levels. Additionally, testing vitamins B6, B9, or B12 can help in providing a complete picture of your vitamin deficiencies. This test can be used to determine if you have coronary artery disease or are at an increased risk for it. This test also helps assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at lowering homocysteine levels.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Homocysteine Blood Test

    No special preparation is required for this test. However, taking B vitamin supplements can influence the test results. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements you are currently using.

    Why Take the Homocysteine (HCY) Test?

    You may need a Homocysteine test if you exhibit symptoms that could indicate a deficiency in vitamin B6, B12, or folic acid. These symptoms may vary from mild to severe and include:

    • Dizziness

    • Headaches

    • Fatigue or weakness

    • Changes in skin or nail colour

    • Sores in the mouth

    • Tingling or numbness in extremities

    • Heart palpitations

    Your doctor might also recommend this test if you are at high risk for vitamin B deficiencies due to factors such as advanced age (as older adults often have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from food), malnutrition, or issues like alcohol or drug addiction. 1 This test may also be suggested if you:

    • Have had a stroke or heart attack.

    • Have heart or blood vessel disease.

    • Have conditions that elevate your risk for heart attack or stroke, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

    Homocysteine testing can also be part of newborn screening to detect homocystinuria, a rare inherited disease 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

    Typically, your homocysteine level should be below 14.8 µmol/L. Elevated homocysteine levels may suggest:

    • Inadequate vitamin intake due to malnutrition or difficulty absorbing vitamins.

    • Elevated risk of heart disease or stroke.

    • Excessive alcohol consumption.

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

    • Homocystinuria, which requires further testing.

    However, elevated homocysteine does not always indicate a medical condition. Several factors may influence homocysteine levels, including:

    • Age: Levels generally increase with age.

    • Sex: Men typically have higher levels, and women may see an increase post-menopause.

    • Medications: Certain medicines can raise homocysteine levels.

    • Smoking: Smoking history can impact homocysteine levels.

    If your levels are elevated, it is important to discuss the results with your doctor to understand their significance and determine the appropriate next steps.

    FAQs on Homocysteine (HCY) Test in Bangalore

    The Homocysteine test price is ₹ 1200. This cost covers rapid home sample collection within 60 of booking, and the reports are available in 12 hours.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs provides home sample collection services for the Homocysteine test in Bangalore. You can have your sample collected at home within 60 minutes of test confirmation, depending on slot availability.

    A Homocysteine blood test is used to diagnose vitamin deficiencies (vitamins B12, B6, and B9), assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, monitor treatment effectiveness to lower homocysteine levels, and screen for homocystinuria.

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

    Follow the below mentioned steps to book any blood test or health checkup through our platform:

    • Find the Test : Search for the Homocysteine test in Bangalore or at home and click on Orange Health’s website.

    • Review and Verify : Select the test, go over the prerequisites, enter your location, and complete the booking by choosing a time for the sample collection.

    • Collection of Sample : A trained eMedic will come to your home to get a sample at your chosen appointed time.

    • Lab Processing : The sample will be sent to our ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited labs for examination.

    • Receive Results : Your reports will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp within 12 hours, accessible also through our app interface.

    Normal homocysteine levels typically range from 6.6 to 14.8 µmol/L. Consult your doctor if your homocysteine levels are above this range.

    Once you book a Homocysteine test, Orange Health Labs will collect your blood sample within 60 minutes, with home sample collection typically taking only a few minutes. You can expect to receive your results online within 12 hours.

    Your doctor will advise you on how often to get a Homocysteine blood test based on your health condition.

    The Homocysteine test measures only a single parameter: the total homocysteine concentration in the blood.

    Without having to visit a physical lab, Orange Health Labs provides the fastest Homocysteine test near you across Bangalore at the convenience of your home. Localities include but are not limited to Adugodi, Banashankari, Bannerghatta, Basavanagudi, Bellandur, BTM Layout, Chamrajpet, Cottonpet, CV Raman Nagar, Domlur, Electronic City, Frazer Town, Giri Nagar, Hebbal, Hennur, Hosur, HSR Layout, Jakkur, Jalahalli, Jaya Nagar, Kadugodi, Kammanahalli, Kengeri, Koramangala, Mahalakshmi Layout, Madiwala, Magadi Road, Malleshwaram, Marathahalli, Mathikere, Mysore Road, Nagarbhavi, Nandhini Layout, Old Airport Road, Peenya, RT Nagar, Rajaji Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sahakara Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Sarjapur, Seshadripuram, Shanthi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Sri Nagar, Tyagarajnagar, Uttarahalli, Vasanth Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, Vijaya Nagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka, Yeshwantpur.

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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