Homocysteine blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Homocysteine is an amino acid made when the body breaks down methionine, a building block of protein found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Normally it is quickly converted into other substances, a process that relies on folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6. When any of these vitamins is low, or the process works less efficiently, homocysteine builds up in the blood.

Raised homocysteine has been associated with blood vessel disease and clotting in research, although lowering it with vitamins has not been shown to prevent heart attacks or strokes. In practice, the test is most useful as a sign of possible B12 or folate deficiency and as one part of a wider cardiovascular review.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You want to understand your B vitamin status in more depth.
• You follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and may be at risk of low vitamin B12.
• You have a family history of early heart disease, stroke or blood clots.
• You take medicines such as metformin or methotrexate, which can affect B vitamins.
• Your practitioner has suggested it to add detail to your cholesterol results.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your homocysteine with the laboratory reference range. A raised level most often reflects low folate or vitamin B12, but it can also be influenced by reduced kidney function, an underactive thyroid, smoking, high coffee and alcohol intake, older age and inherited differences in the enzymes involved.

Very high levels are uncommon and may need specialist assessment. Low levels are rarely a concern. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, who may suggest checking B12, folate or kidney function, rather than a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting for around 8 to 10 hours is recommended, as a protein-rich meal can raise homocysteine, so a morning appointment with water only beforehand is ideal. Avoid B vitamin supplements for a few days before the test unless prescribed, and tell us about medicines such as metformin, methotrexate or anti-epilepsy drugs. Avoid smoking on the morning of your test.

Homocysteine is included in Omnia Signature. If you want to check the vitamins behind it, see Vitamin B12, and for heart risk Heart Health. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a homocysteine test in Chiswick?

A homocysteine blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £99. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast for a homocysteine test?

Fasting for 8 to 10 hours gives the most reliable reading, as a protein-rich meal can raise the level. Water is fine.

What does a high homocysteine level mean?

It most often points to low folate or vitamin B12, but kidney function, thyroid function, lifestyle and genetics can also play a part. Your practitioner will help work out the likely reason.

Will taking B vitamins lower my heart risk?

B vitamins can lower homocysteine, but studies have not shown that this alone reduces heart attacks or strokes. Proven measures such as managing cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking remain the priority.