| Synonyms:
| Homocysteine serum or plasma |
| Specimen: | Blood; (1) Purple (EDTA), Green (lithium heparin), SST (serum separator) or Red (no preservative) top vacutainer tube.
Plasma is the preferred specimen but serum is acceptable.
Fasting specimen is preferred.
|
| Volume: | Full primary tube |
| Minimum Volume: | 1 mL |
| Collection: | Separate plasma or serum from cells immediately to avoid a false elevation of homocysteine.
Transfer plasma or serum to a tightly capped plastic aliquot tube for transport.
Refrigerate at 2-8°C. |
| Rejection Criteria: | Specimen received not separated from cells; gossly hemolyzed or lipemic; improper labeling. |
| Reference Range: | See report |
| Methodology: | Competitive immunoassay |
| Test Use: | Inteded for use in screening patients who may be at risk for heart disease or stroke.Storage Instructions: Refrigerate
|
| Additional Information: | After 1 hour at room temperature, a 10% increase in levels may be seen. Homocysteine results increase by approximately 35% and 75% for samples not centrifuged and/or not separated from the clot for periods of four and 24 hours, respectively. |
| Testing Includes: | Specimen sent to LabCorp. LabCorp test # 706994. |
| Testing Facility: | LabCorp |