New Enzymatic Assay is Launched.

Axis-Shield UK has launched the Enzymatic Homocysteine Assay, an in vitro diagnostic assay for quantitative measurement of total homocysteine in human serum and plasma. Studies show that homocysteine is harmful when excess amounts accumulate in the blood stream, damaging arterial vessels and causing inflammation, potentially resulting in a blockage. Protocols are available for using Axis-Shield's Enzymatic Homocysteine Assay on all commonly found clinical chemistry platforms. Reagents are stable on board the chosen instrument for up to 30 days.

Recent research provides evidence that elevated blood levels of homocysteine have a predictive value for risk of coronary artery disease, similar to that of elevated cholesterol levels. Elevated levels have also been implicated in miscarriages and birth defects.

Homocysteine is a by-product of protein metabolism, specifically the breakdown of the essential amino acid, methionine. It is not by itself incorporated into proteins but is further broken down by enzymes into cysteine or is converted back to methionine. Low concentrations are not harmful to the body.