Homocysteine

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

HMCYS

Alias/See Also

73936;
Homocysteine Cardiac;
Homocysteine Cardio;

CPT Codes
83090

Preferred Specimen

Serum

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum only

Instructions

Avoid hemolysis. Invert a minimum of 5 times then allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Centrifuge 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.

Transport Container

Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature = 4 days
Refrigerated = 4 weeks
Frozen = 10 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.

Methodology
Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

DAILY
CH

Report Available

1 day

Clinical Significance

Elevated levels of homocysteine are observed in patients at risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (fatty deposits in peripheral arteries).

Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: September 11, 2023

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.