VITC

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB3243

Synonyms:
Ascorbic Acid
Performing Lab:
Referral Laboratory
Patient Preparation:

Overnight fasting is preferred. Refrain from taking Vitamin C supplements or fruits 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Container Type:
Green-top (Lithium Heparin) tube
Specimen Type:

Plasma PROTECTED FROM LIGHT

Preferred Volume:
1 mL
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL
Collection Procedure:

Separate the plasma from the cells immediately after venipuncture and transfer to a light-protected amber plastic tube and freeze (must be frozen within 4 hours of separation). 
 

Specimen Processing:

1. Transfer the specimen to an amber plastic transport tube and freeze immediately.
2. If amber tubes are unavailable, cover a standard plastic transport tube completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. 
3. Identify the specimen container with the patient name directly on the container and on the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.

Store and Transport:
Frozen and protected from light
Stability:

Room temperature - unstable
Refrigerated - unstable
Frozen - 14 days

Unacceptable Condition:

Anticoagulants other than lithium heparin, specimen not protected from light.

CPT Codes:

82180 - Vitamin C (EAP 30020488)

Method:
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

Lab Personnel

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