Question 1

What is Scurvy?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency disease that develops when the body lacks sufficient vitamin C for an extended period. It is caused by insufficient intake of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for at least three months, leading to impaired collagen synthesis. The Vitamin C blood test is the most important test for diagnosis as it directly measures ascorbic acid levels in the bloodstream.

Question 2

What causes scurvy?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is caused by severe vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency that persists for at least three months. Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen, the protein that holds your body together and supports wound healing, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When you do not consume enough vitamin C through foods like citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and leafy greens, your body cannot maintain healthy tissues, leading to the breakdown of collagen structures throughout your body.

Question 3

What is the best test for scurvy?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin C blood test is the most important test for scurvy because it directly measures ascorbic acid levels in your bloodstream, providing definitive confirmation of vitamin C deficiency. This test shows whether your vitamin C levels have dropped to the critically low range that causes scurvy symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check for anemia, which commonly accompanies scurvy, but the Vitamin C test remains essential for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring your recovery after treatment begins.

Question 4

When should I get tested for scurvy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice bleeding or swollen gums, bruising easily without injury, slow wound healing, joint pain and swelling, or persistent fatigue and weakness. Testing is especially important if you have had a limited diet lacking fresh fruits and vegetables for several months, follow extreme dietary restrictions, have alcohol use disorder, or are elderly and living alone with poor nutrition. Early testing allows for prompt vitamin C supplementation before more serious complications develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of scurvy?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy symptoms typically appear after three months of severe vitamin C deficiency and include swollen, bleeding gums that may turn purple or black, easy bruising and small red or purple spots on the skin, joint pain and swelling, slow wound healing, fatigue and weakness, dry and rough skin, corkscrew-shaped body hair, and anemia causing paleness and shortness of breath. In advanced cases, you might experience tooth loss, bleeding under the skin, reopening of old healed wounds, and emotional changes like depression and irritability.

Question 6

Who is at risk for scurvy?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for scurvy include those who follow extremely restrictive diets without fruits and vegetables, individuals with eating disorders, elderly people living alone with poor nutrition, people with alcohol or drug use disorders, those with mental health conditions affecting eating habits, and individuals with malabsorption disorders like Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. Infants fed only cow milk without vitamin C supplementation, people experiencing food insecurity or homelessness, and individuals with severe food allergies limiting their diet are also at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if scurvy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated scurvy can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications including widespread bleeding under the skin and into joints, severe anemia requiring blood transfusion, tooth loss and complete gum destruction, seizures from brain bleeding, jaundice and liver problems, fever and infections due to weakened immunity, heart problems including fluid around the heart, and eventually death if vitamin C deficiency continues. The good news is that scurvy responds rapidly to vitamin C treatment, with symptoms beginning to improve within days and full recovery occurring within weeks when diagnosed and treated promptly.

Question 8

Can scurvy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scurvy can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures vitamin C levels in your bloodstream. The Vitamin C blood test shows whether your ascorbic acid levels have dropped below normal ranges, with very low levels confirming scurvy. While doctors may suspect scurvy based on your symptoms and dietary history, the blood test provides the objective confirmation needed for diagnosis. Additional blood tests like a Complete Blood Count may be ordered to check for associated anemia and other nutritional deficiencies that commonly occur alongside vitamin C deficiency.

Question 9

How is scurvy treated?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy is treated with high-dose vitamin C supplementation, typically starting with 300 to 1,000 milligrams daily for several weeks until symptoms resolve and blood levels normalize. Your doctor will prescribe oral vitamin C tablets or, in severe cases, may give intravenous vitamin C injections. Symptoms like fatigue and joint pain often improve within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment, while bleeding gums and bruising resolve within one to two weeks. Alongside supplementation, you will need to increase vitamin C-rich foods in your diet including citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes to prevent recurrence.

Question 10

How can I prevent scurvy?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent scurvy by consuming at least 75 to 90 milligrams of vitamin C daily through a balanced diet that includes citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, berries such as strawberries and blueberries, kiwi, bell peppers (especially red peppers), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Most people can easily meet their vitamin C needs through diet alone without supplements. If you follow a restricted diet, have absorption problems, smoke (which increases vitamin C needs), or are elderly with limited food access, talk to your doctor about vitamin C supplementation to maintain healthy levels.

Question 11

What can I do at home for scurvy?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on immediately increasing vitamin C intake by eating fresh fruits and vegetables multiple times daily, drinking orange juice or other citrus juices, and adding bell peppers and tomatoes to your meals. While you should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, consuming vitamin C-rich foods can help improve mild deficiency symptoms. Avoid overcooking vegetables as heat destroys vitamin C, and eat some raw fruits and vegetables daily for maximum vitamin C content. If you have dietary restrictions making it difficult to get enough vitamin C from food, over-the-counter vitamin C supplements can help, but medical supervision ensures proper dosing and monitors your recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Scurvy Blood Test

What is Scurvy?

What causes scurvy?

What is the best test for scurvy?

When should I get tested for scurvy?

References

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