What to Expect When Undergoing This Test
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones.
You also get vitamin D from some food sources and vitamin D is available as adietary supplement.
Vitamin D must be converted in the liver into a chemical called 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcidiol.
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The test tells you if your levels are too high or too low.
Risks and Contraindications
Risks associated with the 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing are rare.
However, risks associated with any routine blood test may include:
There are no contraindications for this test.
At-house tests are available for purchase at pharmacies, and supermarkets.
You perform the finger prick and send the sample to a lab to be tested.
This option is uncommon.
During the Test
Pre-Test
The 25-hydroxyvitamin D test requires a simple blood sample.
The site will be sanitized with an antiseptic pad and the needle will be inserted.
This usually hurts for a second or two.
The tubes are labeled and sent to the lab.
The blood draw process should take only about five minutes.
In-home tests are easy to use.
They involve pricking your finger to take a small sample of blood.
The blood work is then sent away to a lab for testing.
When you get back your results, they will be in units of nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL).
There are ranges used todetermine a persons vitamin D status.
The testing method and the laboratory method may also cause some variation in results.
High triglycerides and cholesterol may interfere with the test, giving erroneously low results with some testing methods.
Vitamin D deficiency or toxicity can cause very serious health problems.
Your healthcare provider will recommend a vitamin D supplement or other treatment if you are very deficient.
Your practitioner will want you to reduce or stop supplement intake if your level is too high.
This scan is painless and looks at your bone health.
Vitamin D deficiency is also a risk factor forautoimmune diseases, certain cancers, andheart disease.
Your vitamin D may be too high if you are taking too many vitamins and nutritional supplements.
Taking in too much vitamin D can put you at risk for liver and kidney problems.
You will not get high levels from your diet or sun exposure.
Most adults should aim for 600-800 IU (international units) of vitamin D daily.
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