Tests
Main Content
Homocysteine
| Test Name: | Homocysteine | ||
| Epic Order Code: | LAB93 | ||
| CPT Code: | 83090 | ||
| Specimen(s) Type: | Serum; 1.0 mL | ||
| Acceptable Container(s): |   Tops are gold and red. | ||
| Testing Schedule: | Monday-Friday | ||
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA | ||
| Routine: 1-3 days | |||
| Collection Information: | No special patient preparation is required. Obtain specimen by standard collection procedures. | ||
| Transport Information: | Deliver to lab immediately on ice. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. | ||
| Reference Clients: | If unable to deliver to the lab immediately on ice, centrifuge the specimen and remove serum from the red cells. Store and transport at 2-8° C. Specimen must be received in the lab within 14 days. If longer storage is required, store and transport the sample at -20° C for up to 1 year. | ||
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient quantity, incorrect/delay in transport, gross hemolysis. | ||
| Reference Range: | Male: 5.46 - 16.20 µmol/L | ||
| Female: 4.44 - 13.56 µmol/L | |||
| Additional Information: | The following drugs may elevate levels of homocysteine: methotrexate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, nitrous oxide, anticonvulsants and 6-azauridine triacetate. The mechanism of action of these drugs affects different parts of the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. | ||