Investigation Name:Vitamin C

Alias or Abbreviation:Ascorbic Acid

Pathology Laboratory:Chemistry Referred Ext 85290

Requestable Seperately?No

Part of Profile:No

E-Requesting Tab:Other

Lower Reference Range Limit:26

Upper Reference Range Limit:85

Units:umol/L

Minimum Sample Volume:2mL

Expected Turnaround Time:7-14 working days from receipt

Test Code:AOT

Sample Type:

Maximum Add on Time:N/A

Complex Reference Range:Risk of symptomatic deficiency: <10 umol/L

Collection Conditions / Other Information:Rarely required - therapeutic trial with vitamin C. Vitamin C is a negative acute phase reactant - CRP must be checked and if raised measurement of vitamin C is of no value. MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH THE DUTY BIOCHEMIST BEFORE COLLECTION. If agreed, the duty biochemist will order special tubes containing 6% metaphosphoric acid (MPS) from referral laboratory (01709-424103 or 424241). When special MPS tubes arrive, the duty biochemist will contact clinician so that the clinician may arrange sample collection. Blood must be collected into a lithium heparin sample tube and HAND DELIVERED immediately to the laboratory with sample protected from light. LAB INSTRUCTIONS: Centrifuge sample immediately on receipt of sample. Pipette 500 ul of plasma into pre-supplied special tubes containing 200uL of MPS preservative. Mix well and freeze at -20 C (and where possible, please do in duplicate and store one aliquot). Keep sample protected from light. Transport Frozen (PROF GAMA to SEND AWAY).

Reference Laboratory Details:The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, S60 2UD. Telephone number 01709 424241/424103

Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes

Reference Lab Code:ROTFT