Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant found in your blood. Vitamin C helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
["Vitamin C levels can help assess your antioxidant status and overall health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99411-1
- Short code
- VGCC Ab CSF IA-sCnc
- Synonyms
- VGCC Ab CSF IA-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for vitamin C deficiency, monitor vitamin C levels in certain conditions (like smoking or chronic illness), or evaluate how well your body absorbs or uses vitamin C. It can also be part of broader nutritional assessments or screening for metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your test involves a fasting sample. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest for about 15 minutes after the draw.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it typically doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). While reference ranges can vary by lab, low levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels could suggest certain medical conditions or medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low vitamin C levels may signal deficiencies, which can weaken immunity, cause scurvy, or contribute to chronic diseases. High levels might indicate overconsumption, certain genetic disorders, or conditions like hemolytic anemia. Regular monitoring is important for patients with chronic illnesses, smokers, or those with malabsorption issues.
Short name
Serum/Plasma Vitamin C
Frequently asked questions
What causes vitamin C levels to be low?
What symptoms might I experience if my vitamin C levels are low?
Can vitamin C levels be affected by medications?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy