A blood test measuring homocysteine, an amino acid linked to cardiovascular risk and B vitamin status (B12, folate, B6).
Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body produces during protein metabolism. Normally, homocysteine is converted to other compounds using B vitamins (B12, folate, and B6). When these vitamins are deficient or when genetic factors interfere, homocysteine levels rise.
Elevated homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, blood clots, stroke, and cognitive decline. It may damage blood vessel walls and promote clot formation.
This test serves two purposes: assessing cardiovascular risk and detecting B vitamin deficiency. High homocysteine is often easily treatable with B vitamin supplementation.
Price
$23
Results
2-3 days
Lab Network
Quest
Fasting
8+ hrs
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when protein is metabolized. Elevated levels indicate either B vitamin deficiency (most common cause), genetic factors (MTHFR mutations), or increased cardiovascular risk.
Who Should Consider This Test
People with family history of early heart disease, those with unexplained blood clots, individuals with B12 or folate deficiency risk, people following vegan/vegetarian diets, those with MTHFR gene mutations, and anyone assessing cardiovascular risk factors.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
Fasting for 8 hours is required for accurate results. Water is allowed. Test in the morning after an overnight fast.
Fasting Required
This test requires fasting for accurate results. Please follow these instructions:
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before your blood draw.
- Water is allowed and encouraged - stay hydrated!
- Schedule your lab visit in the morning for convenience.
- Continue taking any prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Understanding Your Results
Normal homocysteine is typically 5-15 μmol/L. Levels 15-30 μmol/L are moderately elevated, >30 μmol/L is severely elevated. High levels often respond well to B vitamin supplementation (B12, folate, B6).
What to Expect
After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 2-3 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
$23
Typical hospital cash price: $200–$400
+ $28 in standard lab & physician fees at checkout (no additional bills later)
$18 lab collection + $10 physician order
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure if this is the right test for you? Take our quick questionnaire.
Take the QuizRelated Tests
B12
Vitamin B12
$8
Measures B12 levels essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation.
Biomarkers:
Vitamin B12
Folate
Folate, Serum
$7
Measures folic acid levels important for cell division, DNA synthesis, and preventing birth defects.
Biomarkers:
Folate
hs-CRP
High-Sensitivity CRP
$13
Measures inflammation marker associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Low-grade inflammation indicator.
Biomarkers:
hs-CRP
Lipid Panel
Lipid Panel (Standard)
$7
Standard cholesterol panel including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Essential for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Biomarkers:
Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL +2 more
$23
+ $28 in fees