VITAMIN C - serum, leucocyte

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in plain or lithium heparin tube. A fasting specimen is required.

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. Clinical response to treatment is the preferred method to define deficiency.

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

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