Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, many people do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone and may need to obtain it from other sources, like food or supplements.

Vitamin D also plays a role in immune function, cell growth, reducing inflammation, and keeping your muscles and nerves working normally.

Before your body can use vitamin D, your liver must change it into 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. Most vitamin D blood tests, including the Home Test Box Vitamin D Test, measure the level of 25(OH)D in your blood.

Your kidneys use 25(OH)D to make "active vitamin D," which allows your body to use calcium to build bones and help other cells work properly.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Sources:

Vitamin D. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2021. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/vitamind.html

Vitamin D Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-test/

You don’t need any special preparations for an at-home Vitamin D test.

Your Home Test Box Vitamin D Test will tell you how much 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D is in your blood. Testing this form of vitamin D is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your blood.

Sources:
Vitamin D Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-test/

The Home Test Box Vitamin D Test requires you to self-collect a blood spot sample. View details on how to collect your blood spot sample here.

Vitamin D deficiency refers to very low levels of vitamin D; vitamin D insufficiency refers to mildly low levels of vitamin D.

Sources:

Vitamin D Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-test/

A healthcare provider may order a vitamin D test if you have signs or symptoms of a bone condition that may be related to a vitamin D deficiency. These signs and symptoms include the following:

• Bone pain
• Muscle weakness
• Soft or deformed bones
• Weak bones or fractures
• Low bone density

Mildly low vitamin D levels don’t usually cause symptoms, so your healthcare may order a vitamin D test if they determine that you have a high risk of developing a deficiency. 

Sources:

Vitamin D Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2022. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-test/ 

If your vitamin D levels are abnormal, you should consult your healthcare provider for the next steps.