Homocysteine Test

Homocysteine Test from YorkTest Laboratories can help identify if you have a raised level of homocysteine in your blood - which could effect your heart health! 

The Homocysteine Test measures for raised levels of the amino acid homocysteine.  

Cholesterol levels have long been seen as one of the clearest ways to establish the risk to your heart and cardio-vascular health, but more recently, high levels of homocysteine have been flagged as a better indicator of potential problems. Many medical experts are recommending a Homocysteine Test as a better option when compared with a cholesterol test.

• Determine if you have a high homocysteine level in your blood
• Suitable for anyone that is concerned about heart health
• By decreasing your homocysteine level, you can decrease your odds of heart attacks, strokes and DVT
• Easy-to-use home test
• Your laboratory analysed test results are presented in an easy to interpret format. 
• Customer care support to advise on any queries you may have before or after receiving your results 

It’s well known that exercise is crucial to heart health, but it’s certainly not the only factor. Your diet and nutrition are also very important in determining how healthy your heart is. The primary way to control your homocysteine levels is through your diet, ensuring that your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs. The starting point however, is to ascertain where your homocysteine levels are at the moment.

What is Homocysteine? 

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Studies have shown that an increased level of Homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

Other effects of a raised Homocysteine levels include: heart disease, strokes, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, problem pregnancies and many other medical conditions - which is why it is important to determine if you are at risk by taking a Homocysteine Test.

Is a Homocysteine check for me?

You may be at risk of elevated homocysteine levels if you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following questions. If you do, then you might want to consider having a homocysteine check.

• Are you overweight?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you regularly drink too much tea or coffee?
• Do you lack regular exercise?
• Is your diet poor?

How is the test carried out?

YorkTest will supply you with all that you need to carry out the Homocysteine Test in the comfort of your own home. The test uses a simple finger-prick device and there is no need to go to a clinic or visit a doctor.The test is very quick and easy to carry out yourself.

Taking the Homocysteine Test

Your Homocysteine test kit will contain everything you need to take the test in four easy steps:

1. Fill in the enclosed customer details form. Soak you hands in warm water for one minute and dry thoroughly. Remove the plasma separator from the pouch.

2. Place the lancet on your finger or thumb and press the purple part of the lancet down to pierce your skin. Massage your finger or thumb to produce two to three large droplets of blood. Keep your hand at waist level (or lower than the heart), you may find it easier to stand up whilst doing this.

3. Apply two to three large droplets in the centre until a blue colour develops.

4. Wait five minutes, remove the top layer and write your name and sample date on the base card and slot it back into the pouch for protection. Place this and the used lancets in the prepaid envelope provided and return to us the same day.

View a results example.

Homocysteine Test - FAQs

Q. When will I receive my results?

A.  It will take 10-12 working days to send your results back to you by post. Also included will be information about how you can work with your results by making changes to your diet and exercise habits, along with advice about retesting to check your progress, and how often you should do this.

Q. What do the test results look like?
A.  The results are easy to understand – they are clearly laid out and fully explained. They are categorised into levels from ‘optimum’ through to ‘very high’ based on your homocysteine score.

Q. What is in the test kit?
A.  The test kit is sent in a tough, secure box which contains:

• Fully illustrated and complete instructions
• Antiseptic wipe
• Two simple-to-use finger prick lancets
• The Plasma Separator Device
• A small sterile plaster for you to use on your finger after the test is complete
• A reply-paid envelope for you to return the sample in.

Q. What am I going to have to send you?
A.  Using the finger prick lancets you’ll prick your finger or thumb tip, and put a few drops of blood onto the plasma separator. Full instructions on how to complete the test are included in the kit. Follow these instructions closely, complete the customer details form and send everything back in the reply-paid envelope.

Q. How do I complete the test kit?
A.  Full, illustrated instructions will be sent with the kit. If you’d like to see what the instructions look like, click here.

Q. How do I prepare for the test?
A. You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours before you conduct the test, so we suggest that first thing in the morning, before breakfast, is the best time.

Q. Is posting back my sample safe?
A.  The box that contains your kit is very strong – in all the years that the laboratory have operated they have never had any problems with tests being damaged in transit. Return your sample following the instructions, and it will be completely safe.

Q. Will any medication or nutritional supplements I am taking affect the test? 
A.You cannot take any of our tests if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or taking steroids or immunosuppressants.

Q. How soon do I have to return my sample? 
A. You should ideally post your sample back to the laboratory on the same day that you take it. This stops the sample from degrading over time and gives the most accurate results. You will also need to avoid posting the sample later in the week to make sure that it arrives on a working day and processing can begin immediately.

Q. Does the test hurt?

A. The test has been designed to be a convenient and comfortable as possible. YorkTest’s finger prick is much quicker and less painful than having a full blood draw taken. If you are at all worried, the YorkTest Customer Care team are happy to talk to you about the best way to take your sample. 

IMPORTANT: A six hour fast is required prior to taking the Homocysteine Test. It is advisable to take your blood sample first thing in the morning before eating.

Blood samples must be taken before midday and posted on the same day between Monday and Thursday.

DO NOT take this test if you are: Suffering from a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, if you are under 18 years old, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.