Concerned about hidden cardiovascular risks, family history of heart disease, or wanting comprehensive assessment beyond standard cholesterol testing?
The Homocysteine Blood Test measures levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood. High levels can be linked to heart disease, stroke, and vitamin deficiencies (B6, B12, or folate), while healthy levels support circulation, metabolism, and brain health.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.
1
Order a test
Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect the sample
Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.
3
Receive your results
View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!
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Overview
Homocysteine is like your body's early warning system for cardiovascular trouble – think of it as a molecular red flag that can reveal hidden risks before they become serious problems. This amino acid is a natural byproduct of your body's daily processes, but when levels climb too high, homocysteine acts like sandpaper in your arteries, gradually wearing away at blood vessel walls and setting the stage for heart attacks, strokes, and dangerous blood clots. Normally, your body keeps homocysteine in check with the help of B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate), efficiently converting it into helpful compounds that support your health.
What makes this test particularly valuable is that it can uncover cardiovascular risk even when traditional markers like cholesterol look perfectly normal, giving you a more complete picture of your heart health. Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even pregnancy complications – with research showing that people with the highest levels face nearly double the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The best part? Unlike some risk factors you can't control, elevated homocysteine is often highly treatable through targeted B vitamin supplementation and simple dietary changes, making this test an actionable tool for protecting your long-term health rather than just a prediction of what might happen.
Symptoms
Essential for people with family history of heart disease or stroke, especially at young ages. Important for individuals with existing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions. Valuable for those with unexplained blood clots, stroke at young age, or cognitive decline. Useful for vegetarians, elderly individuals, and those with absorption issues affecting B vitamin status.
Questions
Elevated homocysteine damages blood vessel walls, promotes inflammation, increases blood clotting tendency, and contributes to atherosclerosis development, significantly raising heart attack and stroke risk.
Yes, homocysteine can often be reduced through B vitamin supplementation (especially folate, B12, and B6), eating folate-rich foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining healthy kidney function.
Common causes include B vitamin deficiencies, genetic variations (MTHFR mutations), kidney disease, hypothyroidism, certain medications, excessive alcohol, smoking, and advanced age.
Homocysteine and cholesterol provide different but complementary information. Homocysteine can reveal risk in people with normal cholesterol and vice versa. Both are valuable for comprehensive risk assessment.
For cardiovascular risk assessment, testing every 2-5 years may be appropriate. More frequent testing (every 3-6 months) may be needed when monitoring treatment for elevated levels.
Yes, genetic variations particularly in the MTHFR gene can impair homocysteine metabolism, leading to chronically elevated levels. Genetic testing may be recommended for persistent elevation despite treatment.
Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Biomarker Tested
No biomarkers found
How to prepare
Fasting for 8-12 hours recommended for most accurate results. Avoid intense exercise before testing. Inform your healthcare provider about medications, particularly those affecting B vitamins (metformin, proton pump inhibitors, seizure medications). Continue B vitamin supplements unless specifically advised otherwise.
After the test
Discuss elevated results with your healthcare provider for cardiovascular risk assessment and management strategies. Treatment typically involves B vitamin supplementation (B6, B12, folate), dietary modifications, and addressing underlying causes. Additional testing may include B vitamin levels, kidney function, and thyroid function. Regular monitoring helps track treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy as needed.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Normal levels: <10-12 μmol/L (optimal); Borderline high: 12-15 μmol/L; High: 15-30 μmol/L; Very high: >30 μmol/L. Elevated levels indicate increased cardiovascular and neurological risk. Even moderately elevated levels (12-15 μmol/L) can significantly increase heart disease risk compared to optimal levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
