Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much vitamin C is in your blood. Having the right amount of vitamin C is very important. Your body does not store a lot of vitamin C. This vitamin is found in some foods. It is also added to some foods or you may take it as a pill. Vitamin C is important in bone health. It helps your body absorb iron. It may also help with your immune system and many other functions in the body. ‚
The doctor may order a vitamin C test to: ‚
- Check your general health
- Check for problems with your bones
- Check if you have poor nutrition or to see if your body has a problem taking in vitamin C.
- See how well your treatment is working
- Check for anemia
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What will the results be?
- Normal vitamin C levels mean you have the right amount of vitamin C in your body.
- High vitamin C levels are very rare and may go along with a chronic disease. Many times, a high vitamin C level is because you eat many foods high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and some vegetables.
- Low vitamin C levels can mean many things.
- They may be due to not eating enough vitamin C in your diet.
- You may have problems taking in the vitamin C from food that you eat.
- Drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and smoking can affect your bodys ability to take in vitamin C.
- Some drugs can cause low vitamin C levels.
- Your body may also have a higher need for vitamin C, such as when you are having a baby.
- The doctor will look at the results of your test.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor may ask you not to have anything to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before this test. This is called fasting.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you drink a lot of alcohol
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much vitamin C is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities after the test. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your vitamin C level. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚