Vitamin C, Plasma - Post IVC Specimen

Vitamin C, Plasma - Post IVC Specimen

Although controversial, high dose intravenous vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been used to effectively treat various conditions. These include various viral infections and cancer. A protocol for use of high dose vitamin C may be obtained by writing, The Riordan Clinic, 3100 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.

Specimen type, preparation and processing is the same as for plasma vitamin C. Additional information required on the requisition is the grams of vitamin C given (15 grams, 25 grams, 50 grams, etc). Draw specimen from vein on opposite arm used for IVC.

Note: Diabetic patients or health care workers caring for diabetic patients who monitor their blood glucose with a finger stick strip and meter please note that high level post I.V.C. (ascorbic acid) will cause a FALSE POSITIVE on the finger stick test. Wait eight hours or more to check the patient's glucose with the finger stick and meter. If a test is needed during this time, have a serum glucose performed in a certified clinical (reference) laboratory.

Doctors who wish to order kits, please call our lab directly to set up an account before ordering. 316-684-7784

Process time: 5 to 7 business days

CPT code: 82180

Special instructions: Note on requisition grams of IVC given. Draw specimen from site on opposite arm used for IVC immediately after completed infusion. Separate plasma from cells and process specimen immediately after collection. Ratio of plasma to 3% metaphosphoric acid (MPA) must be maintained, so care must be taken to add exact amount of plasma to the provided 4.5 mL aliquot of MPA. Plasma-MPA specimen is stable at least 3 months if kept frozen.

Rejection causes: Gross Hemolysis; insufficient specimen; specimen not frozen; incorrect ratio of plasma to MPA; grams of IVC not noted on requisition

Patient prep: None

Specimen volume: 3 mL EDTA or Heparin plasma added to 4.5 mL cold MPA. Mix vigorously.

Minimum volume: 1 mL plasma added to 1.5 mL (adjusted volume) cold MPA. If minimum volumes of plasma & MPA are used, it must be noted on the requisition as (1 mL plasma + 1.5 mL MPA used).

Collection container: EDTA or Heparin tube

Transport container: Plastic transport tube

Transport instructions: Freeze

Normal values: Normal ranges do not apply. The value obtained depends on the amount of vitamin C given IV and the disease or physical status of the patient.

Reference one: Padayatta SJ, He S, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: Implications for oral and intravenous use. Ann Intern Med. 2004;140:535-537.

Reference two: Riordan NH, Riordan HD, Jackson JA, et al. Intravenous ascorbate as a tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Med Hypothesis. 1995; 44:207-13.

Reference three: Riordan NH, Riordan HD, Casciari JP, Jackson JA. Clinical and experimental experiences with intravenous vitamin C. 2000; J Orthomol Med. 15:201-213.

Reference four: Cameron E, Pauling L. Cancer and vitamin C. Philadelphia: Camino Books;1993.

Reference five: Jackson JA, Riordan HD, Hunninghake RE, et al. High dose intravenous vitamin C and long-time survival of a patient with cancer of head of the pancreas. 1995; J Orthomol Med. 1995; 10:87.

Reference six: Washko PW, Hartzell WO, Levine M. Ascorbic acid analysis using HPLC with coulometric electrical chemical detection. Analytical Biochemistry. 1989; 181: 276-282.