Vitamin C

Description: 
Plasma vitamin C is measured by HPLC with UV detection
Clinical details: 
Vitamin C acts as a cofactor for various hydroxylase enzymes. The proline and lysine hydroxylase enzymes involved in collagen synthesis are essential for forming the alpha-helix cross links that confer structural integrity to this protein. Because collagen is the most abundant protein and responsible for the structural integrity of tissues throughout the body the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are far-reaching and varied. Vitamin C deficiency classically manifests as scurvy. The symptoms of which in adults are; weakness, fatigue, bone and joint pain, skin rash, bruising, impaired wound healing, anaemia, and osteoporosis. The equivalent symptoms of scurvy in infants (Barlow's disease) are the failure of soft tissue to calcify effectively (ossification) and impaired bone growth. Scurvy has been successfully identified in part through tests available at Viapath in cases at St. Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital London. Due to the poor stability of vitamin C, appropriate samples handling and rapid delivery of the sample are essential.
Reference range: 

26.1-84.6

Synonyms or keywords: 
Ascorbic acid
Units: 
umol/L
Sample type and Volume required: 
Minimum sample volume = 500μL of Lithium Heparin plasma
Call in advance: 
Yes
Turnaround time: 
10 days
Special sample instructions: 

Call laboratory prior to taking sample. Vitamin C is highly unstable. Spin down immediately and ship by same day courier on ice. Protect from light.

Storage and transport: 
Transport by same day courier on ice
Contacts:
Nutristasis Unit at St Thomas'
020 7188 6815 / 89543
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 4th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH

Laboratory opening times
Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.00
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 08/02/2023