Test Directory

Along with dietary history, evaluating serum ascorbic acid levels should be considered for patients with classic signs and symptoms of scurvy, as well as for those with common, nonspecific, chronic musculoskeletal complaints. Vitamin C deficiency is generally defined as plasma or serum concentrations less than 0.2 mg/dL, or the the level at which signs and symptoms of scurvy may appear. Serum ascorbic acid concentrations between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/dl are considered low.

Specimen Type: Plasma

Collection Container: Dark Green Top (Lithium Heparin)  

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

• Collect specimen in dark green top, lithium heparin tube via venipuncture.
• Mix immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing.

1. Separate plasma from cells immediately after collection.
2. Transfer 1 mL of plasma to a light-protected amber aliquot tube.
3. Separated plasma must be placed on dry ice for shipment within 4 hours of separation.
4. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Anticoagulants other than Lithium Heparin
• Specimen not protected from light

0.4–2.0 mg/dL