Homocysteine Test

A single-marker test measuring homocysteine, an amino acid whose level is associated with cardiovascular and thrombotic risk and reflects B-vitamin status (folate, B6, B12). Raised homocysteine is often linked to a shortfall in these vitamins. A focused add-on to cardiovascular or anaemia testing. Measured at the ISO 15189-accredited Brno-Starý Lískovec laboratory, results usually within 24 hours.

Homocystein is a single-marker self-pay test that measures homocysteine, a sulphur-containing amino acid produced as a normal by-product of metabolism. The body clears homocysteine using pathways that depend on the B-vitamins folate, B6 and B12, so a raised level frequently signals a shortfall in one of these vitamins. Independently of that, an elevated homocysteine concentration is associated with increased cardiovascular and thrombotic (clotting) risk, which is why it appears as a component of Lab Med's broader Atherosclerosis panel and can also be ordered on its own here. The standalone test is useful for people who already know their basic lipid profile and want to add this extra cardiovascular-risk dimension, for those investigating recurrent clotting or a family history of early vascular disease, and for anyone whose B-vitamin status is in question — for example on a restrictive diet. The sample is a single venous blood draw of around fifteen minutes, taken on a walk-in basis between 07:00 and 11:00, Monday to Friday, at the second-floor collection room of the Poliklinika U Pošty in Brno-Starý Lískovec. Homocysteine can rise after a protein-rich meal, so a fasting morning draw is the safe default; confirm collection conditions when booking. All sampling material is provided free of charge. Results are typically released within 24 hours, collected in person against signature and ID or via secure electronic delivery arranged at the collection room. A raised homocysteine often responds to correcting an underlying folate or B12 deficiency, so the result is most actionable when read alongside those vitamins (available in the Anaemia panel) and overall cardiovascular risk. Any elevated value is best discussed with a physician, who can advise on whether supplementation or further investigation is appropriate. The analysis is performed under ČSN EN ISO 15189 accreditation.