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
- Padayatta SJ, He S, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: Implications for oral and intravenous use. Ann Intern Med. 2004;140:535-537.
- Riordan NH, Riordan HD, Jackson JA, et al. Intravenous ascorbate as a tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Med Hypothesis. 1995; 44:207-13.
- Riordan NH, Riordan HD, Casciari JP, Jackson JA. Clinical and experimental experiences with intravenous vitamin C. 2000; J Orthomol Med. 15:201-213.
- Cameron E, Pauling L. Cancer and vitamin C. Philadelphia: Camino Books;1993.
- 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.
- Washko PW, Hartzell WO, Levine M. Ascorbic acid analysis using HPLC with coulometric electrical chemical detection. Analytical Biochemistry. 1989; 181: 276-282.
- CPT CODE:
- 82180
- COLLECTION CONTAINER:
- EDTA or Heparin tube
- STATE & SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS:
- We cannot ship lab kits to NY, AK, HI, or international
- 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).
- 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.
- PATIENT PREP:
- None
- PROCESS TIME:
- 5 to 7 business days
- REJECTION CAUSES:
- Gross Hemolysis; insufficient specimen; specimen not frozen; incorrect ratio of plasma to MPA; grams of IVC not noted on requisition
- 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 aci
- SPECIMEN VOLUME:
- 3 mL EDTA or Heparin plasma added to 4.5 mL cold MPA. Mix vigorously.
- TRANSPORT CONTAINER:
- Plastic transport tube
- TRANSPORT INSTRUCTIONS:
- Freeze
