Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
(Vit C)

Sample type: -

Plasma.

Uses: -

Detects vitamin C deficiency.

Precautions: -

1. Fasting for 10-12 hours required

2. Refrain from taking vitamin C supplements or fruits 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Interfere factors: -

Patient consumed vitamin C supplements prior to the test.

Pre-analytical errors: -

• Not placing specimen in ice bath immediately after drawing it from patient.

• Hemolyzed Sample.

Corrective actions: -

1. Immediately place specimen on wet ice and process within 4 hours of collection.

2. Centrifuge at 4 degrees C, aliquot plasma into amber vial to protect from light, and freeze immediately.

Post-analytical errors: -

• Test Results in 3-5 days (May take more).

• Mixing in patients results

Corrective actions: -

• Delivering the results on time.

• Correct identification of the patient’s profile and sample.

Reference range: -

For all age groups (0.6-2 mg/dL).