Has anyone ever had a homocysteine test where they didn't fast first? I've had two done and nobody told me not to eat anything before either one. Now I'm worried that the results weren't accurate. Has anyone else had theirs done where they've eaten beforehand, or does anyone at least know how much difference would be between two tests if you ate before one and fasted before the other?

cb,

Fasting IS required because they are measuring a blood protein that increases with food. I think your test was probably worthless (and on the high side.)

Relax though, most recent studies are downplaying its effect as a marker for heart risk.

Hi cb50

Has anyone ever had a homocysteine test where they didn't fast first? I've had two done and nobody told me not to eat anything before either one. Now I'm worried that the results weren't accurate. Has anyone else had theirs done where they've eaten beforehand, or does anyone at least know how much difference would be between two tests if you ate before one and fasted before the other?

There is no special prep before the test and high homocysteine levels are a risk for heart disease. And a recent publication by AMA states a high risk for CAD, stroke, and PAD.

American Academy of Family Physicians:

QUOTE: "How is the homocysteine level measured, and what do the results mean?
Homocysteine is measured using a simple blood test. It can be measured at any time of day. You don't have to prepare in any special way for the blood test.

A healthy homocysteine level is less than 12 µmol per L. A level greater than 12 µmol per L is considered high. If your homocysteine level is greater than 12 µmol per L and you have blockages in any blood vessel, you need to lower your homocysteine. If you have no other major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and you do not have atherosclerosis, it may be okay for you to have a modestly high homocysteine level (12 to 15 µmol per L).

While no studies have shown that lowering homocysteine levels helps reduce strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular events, it is a good idea to lower a high homocysteine level because it is a risk for heart disease."

American Heart Academy 10/120/06:

Studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Influenced by B-6, B12 and folic acid , diet is a factor as well as genetic factors. The risk is enhanced if one already has CAD, and higher levels of homocysteine levels are tolerated to those with no vascular disorders.

From MDS Diagnostics:

Assay: Homocysteine

Diagnosis and Monitoring for Heart Disease

Clinical Application
Males under 45 and females under 55 with a personal or strong family history of stroke, peripheral arterial or coronary heart disease but without other risk factors. Elevated risk for venous thrombosis. Suspected early arteriosclerosis, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Specific Sample Requirements
Fasting sample of plasma collected in a 5 ml EDTA, lavender-top tube. Turnaround Time: 92 hours

From Liposcience Laboratories:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

Patient Preparation: Fasting specimens preferred

Specimen: Serum or plasma, EDTA or heparin. Fasting specimen preferred. Serum or plasma must be separated from red cells ideally within 1 hour but no more than 2 hours.

Containers: LipoScience-supplied Vacuette® Serum (red top) gel-barrier tube or EDTA (lavendar top) tube

Quote: "Who do you believe me or your lying eyes?" Groucho Marx.:D

There are two different procedures. One is to synthesize and the other is to remethylate.