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Institute of Metabolic Disease at Baylor Research Institute
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Homocysteine – Total
Homocysteine is an amino acid found in small quantities in the blood. Elevated levels may be indicative of a genetic defect or dietary deficiency involving folate, vitamin B12 or vitamin B6. Certain medications may also lead to high levels of total homocysteine (protein bound and free forms) in blood. Recent studies suggest that even small elevations of total homocysteine in blood may lead to increased risk of vascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis.
Department: Neuropharmacology
Methodology: HPLC with Fluorescence detection
Sample:
• Plasma - 0.25 mL of heparinized plasma
• Serum - 0.25 mL
• Cerebrospinal fluid - 0.25 mL collected in sterile container
Handing:
• Plasma and Serum - spin down the sample within 1 hour of collection
• Cerebrospinal Fluid - freeze CSF immediately and store at -80° C until transport
Shipping/Handling:
• Plasma and Serum - Ship sample overnight with 3-4 lbs of dry ice using a guaranteed overnight courier.
• CSF - Ship sample overnight Monday through Wednesday only. Ship sample overnight with 3-4 lbs of dry ice using a guaranteed overnight courier.
Special Notes: This research test must be coordinated through the Neuropharmacology Laboratory Director. Most research tests are performed on a batch basis; the laboratory will not perform single sample testing. Contact the Neuropharmacology Laboratory Director for more information.
Turnaround time and Test Cost: Contact the Neuropharmacology Laboratory Director
Related Tests: Folate (total), Methyltetrahydrofolate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 |
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