Patient (if outpatient) must make a booking with collection staff so that L-methionine can be organised with pharmacy.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMOCYSTEINE TEST
| First Sample |
Is a fasting sample. This requires fasting from midnight prior to the day of your test |
| Second sample |
Is collected 6 hours after you have ingested a drink containing L- methionine to be taken immediately.
Note: some side effects may be noted taking L-methionine eg dizziness, nausea. If patients experience any side effects they are advised not to drive.
|
Fasting Plasma sample is required
Pre :
1 EDTA tube on ice or to laboratory immediately (within 30 minutes)
1 Lithium Heparin tube (no gel) - do NOT spin, wrap in foil immediately
1 plain tube - wrap in foil immediately
Give L-methionine mixed with orange juice
Post :
Specimen to be taken 6 hours after ingestion of L-methionine.
The time is important.
Take 1 EDTA tube on ice or immediately to the laboratory (within 30 minutes) | 
