Vitamin C Blood Test

Name: Vitamin C Blood Test
Brand: Bloody Good
Price: 55.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$55.00 AUD

Getting sick more than you'd expect, noticing slow wound healing, or want to confirm your vitamin C intake is actually translating to adequate blood levels?

Measures plasma vitamin C (ascorbic acid), needed for collagen synthesis, immune function, iron absorption and antioxidant protection. Suboptimal levels are more common than many people assume, particularly in smokers, people with restricted diets and those under high physical or psychological stress.

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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Private health tests

How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that the human body cannot produce on its own, making ongoing dietary intake the only source. It plays several roles: it is needed for collagen synthesis (which supports skin, blood vessels, tendons, and wound healing), it helps the immune system function normally, it enhances the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods, and it acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals that can damage cells.

Suboptimal vitamin C levels are more common than many people assume. While clinical scurvy (severe deficiency) is rare in Australia, it does still occur in people with very restricted diets or those experiencing food insecurity. Milder insufficiency, which can still affect immune function and tissue repair, is more widespread and often goes unrecognised without testing.

Groups at higher risk of low vitamin C include smokers (who have significantly higher vitamin C requirements due to increased oxidative stress), people eating very few fresh fruits and vegetables, those relying heavily on processed or overcooked foods, individuals with malabsorption conditions, people undergoing dialysis, and those under significant physical or psychological stress.

This test measures plasma ascorbic acid concentration. A fasting sample is recommended because recent food intake can temporarily elevate the result. If you take vitamin C supplements, the test will reflect current supplementation; there is no need to stop beforehand, though noting your supplement dose when reviewing results with a practitioner is useful.

Vitamin C is water-soluble, so excess amounts are excreted in urine rather than accumulating in the body. Very high supplemental doses (above 2,000mg daily) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and may increase kidney stone risk in predisposed individuals, but toxicity from normal dietary intake is not a practical concern.

Symptoms

To measure plasma ascorbic acid and identify levels that may be too low to support normal immune function, collagen production, and antioxidant activity.

Questions

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has several roles: it's needed for collagen synthesis, which supports skin, tendons, bones, and wound healing; it helps the immune system function normally; it enhances the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods; and it acts as an antioxidant, helping neutralise free radicals that can damage cells.
Smokers have higher vitamin C needs (smoking increases oxidative stress and depletes ascorbic acid). Others at risk include people with very restricted diets, those relying on processed or cooked foods with little fresh fruit and vegetables, people with malabsorption conditions, those undergoing dialysis, and people under significant physical or psychological stress.
Clinical scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency) is uncommon in Australia today but does still occur, particularly in people with very restricted diets or those experiencing food insecurity. Suboptimal levels short of clinical scurvy are more common and can still affect immune function and tissue repair. Testing can identify both situations.
Vitamin C is water-soluble, so the body excretes excess amounts in urine. Very high supplemental doses (above 2,000mg per day) can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and, in predisposed individuals, may increase the risk of kidney stones. This test is for measuring whether levels are adequate, not for assessing excess.
Vitamin C converts non-haem iron (the type found in plant foods) from a form the body absorbs poorly into a form it can absorb more easily. This is why people with low iron levels, particularly those on plant-based diets, are often advised to consume vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods. If you're investigating low iron, checking vitamin C alongside iron studies can be useful.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

How to prepare

Fasting is recommended for at least 8 hours before your blood draw. Vitamin C from food can temporarily raise plasma levels, so fasting gives a more stable baseline result. If you take vitamin C supplements, note the dose. There is no requirement to stop supplements before the test, but very high supplemental doses taken recently may elevate the result.

After the test

If levels are low, increasing dietary intake of vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, strawberries, capsicum, kiwi, broccoli) or taking a supplement can raise levels relatively quickly. Vitamin C supplements are widely available and generally well tolerated at standard doses. Speak with a GP or dietitian if you have symptoms of deficiency or a condition that affects vitamin C metabolism.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

Results are reported as plasma ascorbic acid concentration (µmol/L) alongside a reference range. Levels below the lower limit may suggest suboptimal or deficient status. Very low levels (below approximately 11 µmol/L) are associated with clinical deficiency. Higher levels in people supplementing are generally not a concern, as excess vitamin C is excreted in urine. A practitioner can advise on whether dietary changes or supplementation are warranted based on your results and circumstances.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9

Average Rating

5,500+ Customers Tested

250,000+ Individual Biomarkers

Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

The Performance Check

Wayne S. NSW

Bloody Good

This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test

Vitamin D (25-OH)

Christopher N. NSW

Quick access to blood tests

BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you

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Rebecca Y NSW

Great Service!

Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.

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ABDUL S. QLD

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Cameron Smith Head of Ecommerce, Brisbane

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book ahead?

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

How do I know if I need to fast?

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

What do I need to bring?

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

What’s a phlebotomist?

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

What other samples may I need to provide for my test?

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.