Homocysteine, CV

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab

Test Code

3808

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: HCYS; Homocysteine, Cardiovascular

CPT Codes
83090

Preferred Specimen

Centrifuge and aliquot within 1 hour.
150 uL Lithium Heparin Plasma (light green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

150 uL (does not include dead volume)

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum separator (gold-top), Red, Red/Gray

Instructions

Needs immediate centrifugation and decanting. If immediate centrifugation is not available, the tube must be placed on ice then decanted immediately after centrifugation

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: < 14 days
Frozen: > 14 days

Methodology
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Setup Schedule

Monday - Friday

Report Available

Same day.

Reference Range

5.0 - 15.4 umol/L

Clinical Significance

Homocysteine (HCY) is a thiol-containing amino acid intermediate produced by cellular demethylation of methionine. It readily oxidizes to form various disulfides at physiological conditions. HCY is at a metabolic branch point from which it can either be remethylated to form methionine or condensed with serine to form cystathionine through the trans-sulfuration pathway. Deficiencies of enzymes involved in methionine metabolism lead to severe increases of plasma HCY. Studies have demonstrated that mild increases in total HCY may pose a significant, independent risk factor for coronary heart disease.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.