Homocysteine

DESCRIPTION:
Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid. Total homocysteine is the sum of all forms of homocysteine. An elevated concentration of homocysteine indicates an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Excess homocytein can cause microdamages in the arteries, which can result in inflammation and clot formation. Elevated levels of homocytein are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.

DETERMINATION:
Determination method: Enzymatic method. The sample for analysis is serum. The sample must be placed on ice immediately after extraction and allowed to coagulate the blood. After centrifugation, separate the serum from the coagulum. The sample is stable for 2 weeks at 2-8°C, 8 months at -20°C.

RESULT:
The reference interval depends on gender, age and the method of determination. The reference interval is displayed on each validated result.