Description
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is typically present in very small amounts in all cells of the body. That is because the body normally converts homocysteine into other products. Since vitamins B6, B12, and folate are necessary to metabolize homocysteine, increased levels of the amino acid may be a sign of deficiency in those vitamins. This test determines the level of homocysteine in the blood and/or urine.
This test may be ordered when a health practitioner suspects that a person may have a vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency. Signs and symptoms are initially subtle and nonspecific. People with an early deficiency may be diagnosed before they experience any overt symptoms.
Requirements: Fasting required (Please consult your physician). To fast for blood work, do not eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before the test. It’s best to schedule fasting blood work for the morning, so that you don’t have to spend the whole day hungry. If fasting is not done before blood work, the results of the blood tests may be inaccurate.
CPT Code: 83090
Walk-in or call 303-552-0657 to schedule an appointment.
