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24908 Ascorbic Acid (VITC)

Ascorbic Acid (VITC)
Test Code: VITCSO
Synonyms/Keywords
Vitamin C
Useful For
Diagnosing vitamin C deficiency
 
As an aid to deter excessive intake​
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Yes Heparinized Plasma Sodium or Lithium ​Heparin Green Top Tube (GTT) 1.0 mL​ ​0.5 mL ​
Collection Processing Instructions
​
1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours) (infants-draw prior to next feeding). Water can be taken as needed.
2. Immediately place specimen on wet ice. Maintain specimen on wet ice and process within 4 hours of draw.
3. Centrifuge at 4 degrees C, aliquot plasma into Amber vial to protect from light and freeze immediately.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time​Special Container
​Heparinized Plasma ​Frozen ​14 days​Light Protected
Rejection Criteria
Hemolysis Gross reject
​Other ​Specimen not protected from light
Interference

Testing of nonfasting specimens or the use of vitamin supplementation can result in elevated plasma vitamin concentrations. Reference values were established in patients who were fasting.

After consuming vitamin C, plasma values rapidly rise within 1 to 2 hours and reach peak concentration within 3 to 6 hours after ingestion.

Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Report Available Methodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories Monday through Friday​ ​3 to 5 days
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)​
Reference Lab
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories ​0.4-2.0 mg/dL
Interpretation

Values below 0.2 mg/dL indicate significant deficiency.

Values greater than or equal to 0.2 mg/dL and less than 0.4 mg/dL are consistent with a moderate risk of deficiency due to inadequate tissue stores.

Values of 0.4 to 2.0 mg/dL indicate adequate supply.

The actual level at which vitamin C is excessive has not been defined. Values above 3.0 mg/dL are suggestive of excess intake. Whether vitamin C in excess is indeed toxic continues to be uncertain. However, limited observations suggest that this condition may induce uricosuria and, in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, may induce increased red blood cell fragility.

Outreach CPTs
​
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​82180 ​ ​ ​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
Vitamin C
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Cerner Ascorbic Acid (VITC)

If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Yes Heparinized Plasma Sodium or Lithium ​Heparin Green Top Tube (GTT) 1.0 mL​ ​0.5 mL ​
Collection Processing
​
1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours) (infants-draw prior to next feeding). Water can be taken as needed.
2. Immediately place specimen on wet ice. Maintain specimen on wet ice and process within 4 hours of draw.
3. Centrifuge at 4 degrees C, aliquot plasma into Amber vial to protect from light and freeze immediately.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time​Special Container
​Heparinized Plasma ​Frozen ​14 days​Light Protected
Rejection Criteria
Hemolysis Gross reject
​Other ​Specimen not protected from light
Interference

Testing of nonfasting specimens or the use of vitamin supplementation can result in elevated plasma vitamin concentrations. Reference values were established in patients who were fasting.

After consuming vitamin C, plasma values rapidly rise within 1 to 2 hours and reach peak concentration within 3 to 6 hours after ingestion.

Useful For
Diagnosing vitamin C deficiency
 
As an aid to deter excessive intake​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories ​0.4-2.0 mg/dL
Interpretation

Values below 0.2 mg/dL indicate significant deficiency.

Values greater than or equal to 0.2 mg/dL and less than 0.4 mg/dL are consistent with a moderate risk of deficiency due to inadequate tissue stores.

Values of 0.4 to 2.0 mg/dL indicate adequate supply.

The actual level at which vitamin C is excessive has not been defined. Values above 3.0 mg/dL are suggestive of excess intake. Whether vitamin C in excess is indeed toxic continues to be uncertain. However, limited observations suggest that this condition may induce uricosuria and, in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, may induce increased red blood cell fragility.

For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Report Available Methodology/Instrumentation
​Mayo Clinic Laboratories Monday through Friday​ ​3 to 5 days
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)​
Reference Lab
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
​
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​82180 ​ ​ ​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.