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: 1) chemical interferences - leukocytes -> tetracycline 2) clinical disorders a) leukocytes* -> scurvy, peptic ulcer, gastroduodenal disorders, post-operative state b) blood levels are lower in males & in heavy smokers * results may be misleading when either leukocyte or platelet count is abnormal Specimen: 1) whole blood (stable for 3 hours refrigerated) 2) buffy coat a) collect whole blood (EDTA or heparin) b) separate buffy coat; avoid erythrocyte contamination c) assay promptly

References

Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd ed. Teitz ed., W.B. Saunders, 1995