Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (BIOCHEMICAL GENETICS)
Test Name:
HOMOCYSTEINE, TOTAL by LC-MS/MS - (P)
Test Code: HCQ
Clinical Information:
Test Indications: Elevations in plasma homocysteine are commonly found as a result of vitamin deficiencies (pyridoxal, folate, riboflavin, B12), polymorphisms of enzymes of methionine metabolism, and renal disease.
 
Severely elevated concentrations of total homocysteine are found in subjects with homocystinuria, a rare genetic disorder of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of homocysteine
 
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 1.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.5 mL

Collection Information: Immediately place specimen on wet ice and send to the lab
Special Processing: It is important to centrifuge blood samples immediately (<20 min) after collection to separate the plasma from the blood cells.
If immediate centrifugation is not possible, collect on ice and centrifuged within an hour. Aliquot immediately.
Specimen Stability: 
Ambient: N/A
Refrigerated: 1 month (separated from cells)
Frozen: 6 months
Referral:

Shipping & Storage: Store and send refrigerated or frozen. Specimen not received on ice will be rejected.
Testing Laboratory (MB): 
HSC (Health Sciences Centre) – Biochemistry MS5
Biochemical Genetics Lab / Metabolic Lab
Inquiries: 204-787-4530
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Reference Intervals: 4.5 - 13 μmol/L
Method of Analysis: Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Availability:
Within 1 Week
See Also:
More Information:
Interpretation & Assay Interferences: Hemolysis, lipemia and icterus do not interfere with assay.