ascorbate in leukocytes

Indications

• evaluation of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)

Reference interval

• buffy coat: 20-53 ug/10E8 leukocytes (1.14-3.01 fmol/leukocyte)

Clinical significance

• leukocyte levels reflect general tissue storage

Decreases

• chemical interferences
  • leukocytes -> tetracycline
• clinical disorders
  • leukocytes*
    • scurvy, peptic ulcer, gastroduodenal disorders, post-operative state
  • blood levels are lower in males & in heavy smokers

* results may be misleading when either leukocyte or platelet count is abnormal

Specimen

• whole blood (stable for 3 hours refrigerated)
• buffy coat
  • collect whole blood (EDTA or heparin)
  • separate buffy coat; avoid erythrocyte contamination
  • assay promptly

More general terms

• ascorbate in specimen

Additional terms

• ascorbate; ascorbic acid; vitamin C