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Vitamin C Blood Test

The Vitamin C Blood Test measures vitamin C levels in the blood to screen for a vitamin C deficiency and assess the risk of scurvy.

Sample Report

Test Code: 001805

CPT Code: 82180

Also Known As: Ascorbic Acid; C, Vitamin; L-ascorbic acid

Methodology:

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

Specimen Type: Blood

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.

Test Results:

3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

Sample Report

Test Code: 929

CPT Code: 82180

Also Known As: Ascorbic Acid; C, Vitamin; L-ascorbic acid

Methodology:

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Specimen Type: Blood

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.

Test Results:

5-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

Description

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Vitamin C Blood Test measures vitamin C levels in the blood to screen for a vitamin C deficiency and assess the risk of scurvy. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the growth and repair of body tissues, including:

 

  • Repairing and maintaining cartilage, bones, and teeth.
  • Healing wounds and forming scar tissue.
  • Aiding in making skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

 

Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. In addition, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is used as a dietary supplement or added to some juices and cereals when the amount of ascorbic acid in the diet is insufficient. For example, individuals with a limited variety of food in their diet or who have intestinal malabsorption problems from cancer or kidney disease are at high risk of developing a vitamin C deficiency.

 

What causes abnormal vitamin C levels?

Several conditions may affect vitamin C levels, most commonly affecting individuals with malnutrition or intestinal malabsorption issues. Intestinal malabsorption issues that affect vitamin C levels are caused by gastrointestinal disorders, such as:

 

  • Crohn's disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

 

Additionally, vitamin C malabsorption may also be caused by:

 

  • Alcoholism
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney failure

 

When should I order a Vitamin C Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a vitamin C deficiency. Common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

 

  • Anemia
  • Scurvy
  • Paleness
  • Sunken eyes
  • Inflamed joints
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Nosebleeds and easy bruising
  • Dry, splitting hair and dry, rough skin
  • Weight gain caused by a slowed metabolism
  • Decreased ability to fight infection and heal wounds
  • Gingivitis, bleeding gums, and weakened tooth enamel

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