Vitamin D Test

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis and is therefore vital for musculoskeletal health. Vitamin D circulates in the blood as both vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). In the UK, 80–90% of vitamin D is derived from skin exposure to ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight, with the remaining 10–20% being derived from dietary sources.

What are the common reasons to check Vitamin D level?

• To see if someone has vitamin D deficiency needing vitamin D replacement therapy as part of a health check or as part of an investigation of symptoms which may be caused by vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.
• To check if the response of the current or past Vitamin D replacement therapy is adequate.

Who are at risk for Vitamin D Deficiency?

• Aged 65 years and over.
• Who have low or no exposure to the sun, for example those who cover their skin; who are housebound or confined indoors for long periods.
• Who have darker skin pigmentation.
• With a malabsorption disorder, or following weight loss surgery.
• With severe liver or end-stage chronic kidney disease.
• Taking certain drugs.
• Who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
• With obesity.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

• Chronic exhaustion
• Feeling tired all the time
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain
• Bone and lower back pain
• Recurrent infections

What are the complications of vitamin D deficiency?

• Osteomalacia (marked softening of the bones) — may present with lower back pain, bone pain in the shoulder, ribs, pelvis, or legs; muscle pain and weakness; waddling gait; and impaired physical function.
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Falls and fragility fracture.

How is the test carried out?

• Our vitamin D blood test requires a small blood sample
• Your finger-prick test kit will have everything you need and makes checking your vitamin D levels private, fast, affordable, and convenient.
• All you need to do is collect your sample in the morning using our easy-to-follow instructions inside the kit.
• Make sure you send your sample on the same day you take it.
• Use the freepost envelope in your kit and send it directly to our accredited laboratory for analysis.

Special Instructions

• If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin, commonly found in products promoting nail, skin, and hair health. It is recommended that you wait at least 48 hours from your last dose before sample collection.
• If you’re taking prescribed biotin you should discuss this with your doctor.

How long does it take for my result to come back?

• Results will be available within 2 working days of receipt of your sample in the laboratory.

What am I expected to see on my lab report about my vitamin D levels?

• Your report will state if your vitamin D levels fall into normal, insufficiency or deficiency range with the appropriate recommendations written on the report.