Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Plasma

Diagnostic Use

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Vitamin C has an important role in the nervous and immune systems, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and is an antioxidant.

Measurement is used for nutritional assessment of vitamin C to identify deficiency. Prolonged deficiency of vitamin C leads to the development of scurvy, a disease characterized by an inability to form adequate intercellular substance in connective tissues. This results in the formation of swollen, ulcerative lesions in the gums, mouth, and other tissues that are structurally weakened. Early symptoms may include weakness and easy fatigue, as well as shortness of breath, aching joints, bones, and muscles.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

VITC

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect on ice. Wrap in foil. Send to lab immediately.

Registration

Frozen aliquots from referring labs must stay frozen, send to trace metals lab frozen

Separating

Separate and freeze within 2 hours of collection. Lipids/Trace Metals- Freezer.

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis reject, gross lipemia OK, gross icterus OK

Test Adds

Frozen -60°C 14 days, light protected

Synonyms

Ascorbic Acid
Leucocyte Ascorbic Acid

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Test Code

3490

Specimen Type

• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2

Additional Specimen Information

Collected on ice.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

The sample separation and subsequent freezing prior to sending to CHL is time critical. Must be frozen within 2 hours of collection.

Interpretation

Low vitamin C levels are suggestive of deficiency if the appropriate collection and handling instructions have been followed. Vitamin C is unstable at room temperature and when exposed to light and this may result in a falsely low result.

Reference Intervals

26  – 85 umol/l.

Test Method

HPLC - UV

Non-Funded Test Cost

$170.33 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3491

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form