Thriva Heart & cholesterol

Homocysteine Test

Check your homocysteine levels with this simple at-home blood test. Elevated homocysteine can be linked to deficiencies in vitamins B12, B6, or folate, and may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain other conditions.

  • At-home test
  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Blood
Collection
At-home finger-prick
Results in
14 days
Biomarkers
1
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Homocysteine

Test specifications

Provider
Thriva
Sample type
blood
Collection method
at-home finger-prick
Turnaround time
14 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Thriva.

Heart health

  • Homocysteine

About this test

How can this profile help you?

This profile measures homocysteine, a natural by-product of processing protein in your body. Normally, it is broken down with the help of vitamins B12, folate (B9), and B6. If levels rise, this can signal vitamin deficiencies, kidney or thyroid problems, or other underlying health issues.

There are no symptoms of raised homocysteine - only a blood test can reveal it. High levels have been linked with an increased risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Memory decline and dementia
  • Osteoporosis and fractures
  • Pregnancy complications
  • And many other associations continue to emerge

Because raised homocysteine is most often due to low vitamin B12 or folate, it is best interpreted alongside tests for these vitamins. If your vitamin levels are low, further checks may be needed to understand why (for example, digestive causes, medication effects, or diet), and a clinician can guide safe treatment with supplements if required.

While you cannot always control homocysteine levels directly, you can:

  • Ensure healthy levels of vitamins B12, folate, and B6 by eating a diet rich in these vitamins
  • Maintain an active lifestyle
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and coffee intake
  • Work with your healthcare provider on further tests and tailored advice

This profile is especially valuable if you have a personal or family history of heart disease, stroke, or vitamin deficiencies. However, anyone may benefit from understanding their homocysteine status to better guide their long-term health.

What's included in this blood test?

  • Homocysteine: Homocysteine is a natural substance made in your body when you process protein from food. Typically, your body breaks it down using vitamins such as folate (B9), B12, and B6. Higher levels are associated with various diseases, such as heart disease and dementia.

Description provided by Thriva.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 7.5/10

    A single-marker test measuring exactly what it sets out to; depth is not the point of this comparison group.

  • Collection convenience 6.0/10

    Can be done at home; results in around 14 days.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor.

  • Trust signals 10.0/10

    Trustpilot 4.6 from 3,195 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 / ISO 17025 partner labs); CQC registered; doctor review as standard; trading 11+ years.

  • Value for money 7.6/10

    £133.00 against a comparison-group median of £159.00 (-16%).

Compare with similar tests

This test belongs to our Homocysteine test comparison group. See how it stacks up against equivalent tests from other providers.

More in this category

View all →