Vitamin C - serum, leucocyte

Last updated: Wednesday, 07, April, 2004
Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood in plain or lithium heparin tube.

A fasting specimen is required.

Sample may require special preparation - contact the laboratory.

Method

Spectrophotometry.

Reference Interval

Method dependent, generally:
Serum: 30-80 µmol/L
Leucocytes: 1.1-3.0 µmol/109 leucocytes.

Application

Rarely required; suspected vitamin C deficiency, scurvy.

Interpretation

A low value indicates deficiency, but identification of subclinical deficiency is unreliable. Clinical response to treatment may define deficiency.

Reference

Hodges RE et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1971; 24: 432-443.