The EDTA-plasma measure of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart and brain risk.
Homocysteine is an amino acid your body makes while processing methionine. With enough folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 it is quickly recycled or cleared. When that processing lags, it builds up in the blood.
This version is measured in EDTA plasma, where the blood is collected into a tube containing EDTA and the cells are separated quickly. That handling is analytically preferred, because it limits the false rise that happens when blood sits.
A raised homocysteine is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and blood clots, and often signals low B vitamin status or a methylation issue. It is also studied in cognitive decline and bone health.
EDTA plasma, kept cold and spun promptly, gives a more reliable value than serum, which is why many labs prefer it for this test.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Adult guidance values (guidance only, vary by lab):
| Category | Homocysteine |
|---|---|
| Normal | roughly 5 to 15 µmol/L |
| Moderately raised | 15 to 30 µmol/L |
| High | > 30 µmol/L |
Many preventive clinicians prefer levels below about 10 µmol/L.
You learn whether your homocysteine is raised, a flag for low B vitamins or methylation problems and an addition to your cardiovascular picture. A high result often points to simple, targeted nutrition steps within a personalized action plan.
Even with EDTA, slow separation of plasma from cells can falsely raise the result. Low folate, B12, or B6, kidney impairment, hypothyroidism, smoking, and some medications raise levels. Keeping the sample cold until spun reduces error.
Best read alongside vitamin B12, folate, vitamin B6, and your wider cardiovascular risk markers.
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