VITAMIN C
General Information
HLAB/HOL Code: ASCBA
UPHSM LIS Test #: 025884
Schedule:
Testing Time: 3-5 Days
Testing Lab: Labcorp
UPHSM LIS Test #: 025884
Schedule:
Testing Time: 3-5 Days
Testing Lab: Labcorp
Specimen Info
Only 1 specimen type required, unless otherwise specified
Volume: 1.0 mL
Temperature: Frozen
Tube Type: Plasma - Protected From Light
Collection Info:
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container: Green-top (lithium heparin) tube; amber plastic transport tube with amber-top. (If amber tubes are unavailable, cover standard transport tube completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. Identify specimen with patient name directly on the container and on the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.)
Collection: Collect blood by venipuncture into a green-top containing lithium heparin and mix immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing. Plasma must be separated from cells immediately after venipuncture and transferred to light-protected amber plastic tube. Separated plasma must be placed on dry ice for shipment within 4 hours of separation. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Temperature: Frozen
Tube Type: Plasma - Protected From Light
Collection Info:
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container: Green-top (lithium heparin) tube; amber plastic transport tube with amber-top. (If amber tubes are unavailable, cover standard transport tube completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. Identify specimen with patient name directly on the container and on the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.)
Collection: Collect blood by venipuncture into a green-top containing lithium heparin and mix immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing. Plasma must be separated from cells immediately after venipuncture and transferred to light-protected amber plastic tube. Separated plasma must be placed on dry ice for shipment within 4 hours of separation. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Specimen Acceptability
Causes for Rejection: Anticoagulants other than lithium heparin; not received frozen; not protected from light.
SPECIMEN MUST BE IN ITS OWN LIGHT PROTECTED ALIQUOT TUBE
SPECIMEN MUST BE IN ITS OWN LIGHT PROTECTED ALIQUOT TUBE
Methods
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
Clinical Utilities
Along with dietary history, evaluating serum ascorbic acid levels should be considered for patients with classic signs and symptoms of scurvy, as well as for those with common, nonspecific, chronic musculoskeletal complaints. Vitamin C deficiency is generally defined as plasma or serum concentrations less than 0.2 mg/dL, or the the level at which signs and symptoms of scurvy may appear. Serum ascorbic acid concentrations between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/dl are considered low.
CPT Codes
82180
* The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding
is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.
