Homocysteine - Serum / Plasma

Homocysteine test is used to measure the amount of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a kind of amino acid, a chemical substance the body uses to make proteins. Normally vitamins, in your body, like B12, B6, and folic acid break down homocysteine and change it into other substances that your body requires. The high levels of homocysteine indicate that the body is deficient in vitamins B6, B9 (folate) or B12. This test may be used to monitor those who have heart diseases and run the risk of a heart attack or stroke and for those who may develop of Alzheimer's disease. The test is also performed for new-borns, infants and young children, if there is a suspect of homocystinuria, a rare condition that prevents the breakdown of proteins.