Ascorbic Acid

Collections performed at Beddington & Sloane Square PSCs, or at RRLs only; pediatric collections available at ACH.
Test cannot be collected by Mobile Collection Service (MCS).


NOTE: TCA must be obtained from FMC Accession prior to collection.

1 x 4 mL lavender top EDTA tube

1-2 mL plasma

Keep tubes cold (immerse in ice water or crushed ice) prior to and immediately after collection. 

All sites:
Centrifuge at 4ºC + 2ºC within 30 minutes of collection, then add 1 mL plasma to 2 mL 5% w.v. TCA in a plastic tube, mixing while adding.  Write "TCA added" on the tube, and freeze sample before transport to the DSC.
If 2 mL or more of plasma, send in separate 1 mL aliquots.
Send specimen in a separate bag with a photocopy of the requisition.

DSC:
Freeze specimens upon receipt in lab; ensure frozen specimens do not thaw.