Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for at least 10-12 hours required; avoid vitamin C supplements and fruit for at least 24 hours prior
- Turnaround: 5-7 days (may take longer due to weather, holidays, lab delays; current lab delays may add 3 business days)
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid) in your blood. Vitamin C is a nutrient your body uses to help repair and maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth, heal wounds, form scar tissue, and support the production of skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
This test reports your circulating vitamin C level at the time your sample is collected. It does not evaluate any other vitamins, minerals, or nutrients, and it does not by itself diagnose a vitamin C deficiency or determine whether supplementation is needed.
Benefits
- Measures your current circulating vitamin C level
- Helps assess risk factors associated with vitamin C deficiency
- Supports evaluation of symptoms that may relate to low vitamin C
- Provides information a healthcare provider can use for further evaluation
- Simple blood test with clear preparation instructions
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with a limited variety of food in their diet
- People with intestinal malabsorption related to cancer or kidney disease
- Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or IBD
- People with alcoholism, kidney disease, or kidney failure
- Individuals experiencing symptoms that may relate to low vitamin C, such as fatigue, easy bruising, or gum issues
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) circulating in your blood. It helps a healthcare provider evaluate whether your vitamin C level may be low, which can be relevant when assessing risk for vitamin C deficiency and scurvy. This test reports a circulating blood level and does not, by itself, diagnose a deficiency or nutritional disorder.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be useful for individuals with a limited variety of food in their diet, those with intestinal malabsorption related to cancer or kidney disease, or people with gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or IBD. It may also be relevant for individuals with alcoholism, kidney disease, or kidney failure. This is not a determination that testing is required for everyone with dietary concerns.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider this test if you have experienced symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency, such as fatigue and weakness, easy bruising or nosebleeds, dry or rough skin, inflamed joints, or gingivitis and bleeding gums. This test can support a broader evaluation by a healthcare provider and does not replace medical assessment.
4. How does this test differ from other nutritional tests?
This test measures only one nutritional marker: vitamin C, from a blood sample. It does not measure other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or nutrients, and results should not be assumed to reflect the status of any nutrient not listed here. Because this is a blood measurement, it should not be treated as equivalent to a urine-based measurement of vitamin C or any other analyte.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 10-12 hours is required. You should also avoid taking vitamin C supplements or consuming fruits for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 5-7 days, though this may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or lab delays. At this time, the lab is experiencing delays that may add up to 3 business days to the normal turnaround time.
7. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your vitamin C result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, diet, supplement use, medications, and other laboratory findings. Your healthcare provider may consider this result alongside other relevant information rather than in isolation. A low result does not automatically confirm a deficiency, and a normal result does not automatically rule out a nutritional concern. Discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider for proper interpretation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside the expected range, review them with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing may be appropriate based on your overall health and history. This test result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual health status and history. There is no standard repeat testing schedule associated with this test.
Pre test preparation
Fasting for at least 10-12 hours is required. Patients should refrain from taking vitamin C supplements or consuming fruits for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.
