Definition
What Homocysteine measures
Homocysteine is an amino-acid intermediate in methylation. Cells keep making it in the tube, so the assay needs prompt separation or a special anticoagulant — not a mailed Tasso+ SST.
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Nutrient statusCompleteumol/L
Homocysteine
A methylation intermediate that needs a special venous tube
Illustrative sample band · Synthetic
9.2umol/L
3.1Sample target 5–10 umol/L16
Why it matters
How clinicians usually read it
Clinicians use it as a B12/folate/methylation clue and a vascular-risk context marker. It sits on Complete because the pre-analytical rules fail on delayed capillary mail-back.
When it reads low
A lower value can mean
A lower homocysteine is usually uneventful and can follow supplementation. It is not a treatment target on its own.
When it reads high
A higher value can mean
A higher homocysteine can reflect B12 or folate insufficiency, kidney disease, or methylation variants. Confirm the draw handling before treating the number.
Questions for a clinician
Bring the number into a real conversation
01
Was this drawn and separated the way the lab requires?
02
Do my B12 and folate explain this, or is something else in play?
03
Is this a number you want to treat or just to watch?
Educational boundary
Educational information only. Displayed ranges are illustrative sample bands, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for the contracted laboratory report and a qualified clinician.
See it as a sample result
The sample dashboard shows an illustrative reading, target band, and trend for Homocysteine.