Vitamin C

Casandra

Casandra Test Code QD69452Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Quest DiagnosticsLab Test ID 929CPT Code 82180

Also known as: Ascorbic Acid

Clinical Use

Order Test

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

Not provided.

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.

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Analyte

Vitamin C level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Result Turnaround Time

4-6 days

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.