Vitamin C

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Category:

Turnaround Time: 3-5 days
CPT Code:

82180

Test Type: 1 mL Plasma

Overview:

Evaluation of vitamin C deficiency Serum levels of vitamin C are an adequate measurement of clinical status. Vitamin C is a cofactor for protocollagen hydroxylase; it promotes the conversion of tropocollagen to collagen.[1] Low values occur in scurvy, malabsorption, alcoholism, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, and renal failure. Smokers have lower levels than nonsmokers. Patients with scurvy have values <0.2 mg/dL. Principal clinical findings in scurvy include bleeding gums, petechiae, follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular hemorrhages beginning on the lower thighs, muscle aches, easy fatiguability, and emotional changes.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

Specimen

1 mL Plasma, frozen and protected from light

Container

Green-top (lithium heparin) tube; amber plastic transport tube with amber-top. (If amber tubes are unavailable, cover standard transport tube completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. Identify specimen with patient name directly on the container and on the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.) For amber plastic transport tube and amber-top, order LabCorp No. 23594.

Collection

Collect blood by venipuncture into a green-top containing lithium heparin and mix immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing. Plasma must be separated from cells immediately after venipuncture and transferred to light-protected amber plastic tube. Separated plasma must be placed on dry ice for shipment within 4 hours of separation. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.