Vitamin C
Also known as: Ascorbic Acid
Use
This test measures the level of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the blood to assess nutritional status. Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair including skin, bone, blood vessels, connective tissue, collagen production, wound healing, and iron absorption for red blood cell formation. Deficiency may result from inadequate dietary intake, increased demand (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding), or poor absorption, and can lead to conditions such as anemia or scurvy. Monitoring levels can guide dietary or supplement interventions to support overall health.
Special Instructions
Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8–12 hours is recommended prior to blood draw. Certain supplements or medications could interfere with results; consult a healthcare provider before collection if concerned. Sample must be protected from light and frozen (preferably at –70 °C) during transport and storage. Use amber vial or cover tube in foil to maintain light protection. Avoid receipt at room temperature or thawed specimens. Plasma in sodium or lithium heparin may be acceptable as alternate to serum.
Limitations
Specimen degradation can occur if sample is exposed to light, thawed, kept at room temperature, or received at improper temperatures. Lipemia or hemolysis can interfere. Delay in centrifugation or improper freezing may impact results. EDTA or lithium heparin plasma not protected from light is unacceptable. Clinical interpretation must consider dietary intake, supplementation status, and patient’s metabolic state.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Green‑top (sodium or lithium heparin) tube; amber vial or foil‑wrapped tube protected from light
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge within 1 hour at 4 °C, aliquot into amber vial (or foil‑wrapped tube), freeze immediately, protect from light.
Patient Preparation
Fasting 8‑12 hours; refrain from vitamin C supplements and fruits for 24 hours prior collection.
Storage Instructions
Frozen and protected from light (–70 °C preferred).
Causes for Rejection
Received room temperature; received refrigerated; lipemia; hemolysis; not light protected; thawed specimens; use of EDTA plasma or lithium heparin plasma without protection.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unstable |
| Refrigerated | Unstable |
| Frozen | Frozen: stable (e.g., up to 14 days per comparable protocols) |