Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...

Homocysteine Blood Test

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced during protein metabolism. Elevated levels may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and other health conditions.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
umol/L
Normal < 15 High
Female Your group
umol/L
Normal < 15 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Homocysteine: what this test measures

This test measures the level of homocysteine in your blood. It is influenced by vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 status, which are needed to metabolise homocysteine.

Homocysteine: why this value matters

Elevated homocysteine may be associated with cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and cognitive decline. It can also indicate B-vitamin deficiencies. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Homocysteine: how to prepare

  1. Preferably fasting

    Recommended

    Coming fasting gives a slightly cleaner value, but it is not required. If it suits you, eat nothing from 22:00 the evening before and drink only water.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Homocysteine: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, unexplained blood clots, or symptoms of B-vitamin deficiency.

Homocysteine: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low homocysteine levels are generally considered favourable and are not associated with health concerns.

High Levels

High homocysteine itself may not cause noticeable symptoms but is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, blood clots, and cognitive issues over time.

Homocysteine: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low homocysteine is favourable and indicates low cardiovascular risk.

If High

Elevated homocysteine increases cardiovascular risk. Consider B vitamins (B12, B6, folate).

Female

If Low

Low homocysteine is favourable and indicates low cardiovascular risk.

If High

Elevated homocysteine increases cardiovascular risk. Consider B vitamins (B12, B6, folate).

Homocysteine: lifestyle and this value

Ensure adequate intake of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 through foods such as leafy greens, legumes, eggs, and fortified cereals. Limiting alcohol and maintaining a balanced diet may help manage homocysteine levels.

Homocysteine: frequently asked questions

How can I lower my homocysteine?

Adequate intake of folate, B12, and B6 may help lower homocysteine. Discuss supplementation and dietary changes with your healthcare provider.

Is homocysteine a reliable heart disease marker?

Elevated homocysteine is considered an independent risk factor, though it is best evaluated alongside other cardiovascular markers. Consult your healthcare provider.

Can genetics affect homocysteine levels?

Yes, certain genetic variations (such as MTHFR) can affect how your body processes homocysteine. Your healthcare provider can advise on testing and management.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

General checkup

General checkup

A broad blood test covering 18 values across liver, kidneys, thyroid, heart, vitamins and blood count.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Total Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Glucose (Fasting) Vitamin D (25-OH) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Hemoglobin Leukocytes (WBC) Platelets (Thrombocytes) CRP (C-Reactive Protein) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
€199,-
Blood count & immunity

Blood count checkup

A blood test with 10 values for blood count and immunity — haemoglobin, haematocrit, white cells with differential, platelets, MCV, MCH, MCHC, CRP and ESR — for insight into blood and inflammation.

Hemoglobin Hematocrit Leukocytes (WBC) Leukocyte Differential Platelets (Thrombocytes) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Erythrocytes (RBC) Ferritin
€109,-
Heart & vessels

Heart checkup

An extensive blood test with 12 heart and vessel values — the full cholesterol profile, Apo(B), Lp(a), hsCRP, homocysteine and blood sugar — for insight into your heart and vessel health.

Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Non-HDL Cholesterol Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Triglycerides ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Lipoprotein(a) hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Creatinine
€209,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Homocysteine

€130,-