Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Homocysteine is a non-protein amino acid biosynthesised from methionine and is involved in the folate cycle. High levels of Homocysteine in the blood makes an individual more prone to endothelial cell injury in the blood vessels which leads to inflammation. This can lead to atherogenesis and ischaemic injury. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, it is also associated with early pregnancy loss.
Specimen container paediatric:
Sodium Citrate
Specimen container adult:
Sodium Citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.3mL
Minimum volume adult:
2.7mL
Special requirements:
Collect on ice and transport to lab immediately, ensure adequate mixing. Please clearly state time of collection on sample, stability is time and temperature dependant.
Sample stability:1 hour at room temperature
1 hour at room temperature
8 hours if collected and sent on ice
8 hours if collected and sent on ice
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab ON ICE without delay
Freq analysis:
As required or weekly
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Coagulation
Reference ranges:
Male: 6.42 – 11.54umol/L
Female: 5.35 – 10.21umol/L
Factors affecting result:
Samples must be transported on ice and plasma separated from red cells ASAP
Other info:
Quantitative assay of homocysteine level.