Micronutrient, Vitamin C
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Vitamin C is an antioxidant involved in connective tissue metabolism, drug-metabolizing systems, and mixed-function oxidase systems to list a few. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy; manifestations include impaired formation of mature connective tissue, bleeding into the skin, weakness, fatigue, and depression.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test checks for Vitamin C levels in your body. Vitamin C is crucial for your body's connective tissues, helps in metabolizing drugs, and supports various enzyme functions. Not having enough Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a condition that affects your body's ability to form mature connective tissue, leading to symptoms like skin bleeding, weakness, fatigue, and depression.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Swollen gums
What type of sample is required for this test?
Protect from light.
Proper handling is crucial.
2–5 business days
Female ≥18 years 0.3-2.7 mg/dL
Reference range not available for individuals <18 years for this micronutrient test.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL frozen serum - protected from light
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Amber transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Specimen Stability:
- Frozen: -20° C: 8 hours, -70° C: 35 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis • Lipemia • Received at -20° C • Not protected from light • EDTA plasma • Lithium heparin plasma • Thawed samples
Minimum age:
18
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
