$11.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Brain & nervous system
Homocysteine test
Amino acid; elevated levels may suggest B-vitamin deficiency (B12, folate, B6) and can increase cardiovascular and stroke risk.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Homocysteine is a substance your body makes as it breaks down protein. It can build up when you’re low in certain B vitamins or when your kidneys aren’t clearing it well.
Why it matters for women
Homocysteine can rise when you’re low in folate, a B vitamin that matters most before and early in pregnancy, when it helps a baby’s brain and spine form. High levels can also be linked with a higher chance of heart disease and stroke.
You might check it if…
- you eat little or no meat, dairy, or eggs
- a blood count showed larger-than-usual red blood cells
- heart disease or stroke happened young in your family
- you’ve had a blood clot or stroke at a young age
What your result may mean
High Homocysteine: what it may mean
High homocysteine may point to low vitamin B12, folate or B6, or to kidneys that aren't clearing it well. It can add to the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it may be linked with pregnancy complications, so a clinician may look at it before pregnancy. Smoking, older age and rare inherited conditions can raise it too. A protein-rich meal before the draw can nudge the number up. If B12 is low, you may notice tiredness or numb, tingling hands and feet.
Low Homocysteine: what it may mean
Low homocysteine may be reassuring, and it can be uncommon. It may need no follow-up on its own, because the worry with this marker can sit at the high end. Levels can fall during a healthy pregnancy, and folic acid or other B vitamins can bring it down as well. A low value can't show that every B vitamin is at a healthy level, so B12 or folate may still be worth checking if you feel tired or tingly.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.