| Analyzer |
|
| Abbrev |
HCY |
| Analyte |
Homocysteine |
| Department |
Chemistry-General |
| Specimen Type |
Serum |
| Alternate Specimen Type |
N/A |
| Specimen Stability Requirements |
Transport refrigerated within 7 days after collection (Stable 2 weeks refrigerated) |
| Preferred Specimen |
1mL Serum |
| Minimum Volume |
0.5mL |
| Collection Instructions |
Avoid hemolysis, to minimize increases in homocysteine concentration from synthesis by red blood cells. Avoid lipemic specimens. Specimens not placed on ice immediately may exhibit a 10-20% increase in homocysteine concentration. Carbamazepine, S-adenosyl-methionine, methotrexate, phenytoin, nitrous oxide, or 6-azauridine triacetate may affect the homocysteine concentration. |
| Specimen Instructions |
Place all specimens on the ice after collection and prior to processing. Serum may clot more slowly and the volume may be reduced. Allow serum samples to clot completely before centrifugation. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted to a plastic transport tube within 2 hours of collection. Avoid hemolysis. Gel tubes should be spun at room temperature at a speed of 1000 to 1300 RCF for 10 minutes in a swinging bucket centrifuge and 15 minutes in a fixed-angle centrifuge. Non-gel serum tubes can be centrifuged at ≤ 1300 RCF for 10 minutes. After centrifugation refrigerates the samples at 2 to 8°C. |
| Reasons for Rejection |
Improper labeling; quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen type; expired stability; gross lipemia; hemolysis. |
| CPT Code |
83090 |
