Homocysteine: Clinical significance and laboratory measurement

Increased plasma homcysteine concentrations are associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and venous thrombosis. Potential benefits of homcysteine lowering therapy are stimulating clinical interest in measuring homocysteine. Many methods are now available including some new options. However, homocysteine testing and interpretation present challenges to clinical laboratories. Future demand for homocysteine testing likely will depend on the outcome of ongoing trials of homocysteine-lowering therapy.