Use of a commercially available reagent for the selective detection of homocysteine in plasma.

A procedure for the detection of homocysteine (Hcy) in blood plasma is described. A commercially available chromogen is added to the plasma sample. The plasma solution turns from yellow to blue upon heating for 4 min when a detectable threshold level of Hcy is present. Chromatographic separations and immunogenic materials are not needed. The protocol takes approximately 30 min.