Homocysteine

Homocysteine umol/L	Mortality Ratio
< 9.0	1.0
9.0 – 14.9	1.9
15.0 – 19.9	2.8
> 19.9	4.5

Homocysteine

Biotech is pleased to announce that we are now
performing Homocysteine testing. Homocysteine is
an amino acid used to make proteins and is
produced in the cells of the body.

Increased levels of Homocysteine increase the risk
of atherosclerosis leading to heart attacks and
strokes. This occurs when high levels of
homocysteine oxidize cholesterol to low-density
lipoprotein (LDL). Increased levels also cause the
blood to clot more easily than it should.

Low levels of thyroid hormone, kidney disease,
psoriasis, and medications such as carbamazepine,
phenytoin, methotrexate, nitrous oxide, and others
can cause increased Homocysteine levels.

Increased levels of Homocysteine can often be
lowered by diet. By increasing the amount of
vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid in the diet often
the level of Homocysteine may be decreased. These
nutrients help in the metabolism of Homocysteine
into proteins that do not increase the risk
atherosclerosis.

Effective Wednesday June 4, 2008 any requests for
Homocysteine will be assayed by Biotech in St.
Louis. Samples may be drawn, handled and
submitted as are all other routine chemistries (i.e. SST
red top). Testing will be performed Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday nights.

Reference Range: < 14.0 umol/L

For those patients with documented coronary artery
disease this risk assessment table may be used.