Vitamin D Test (25-Hydroxy)
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Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and its deficiency can lead to abnormal bone development, bone weakness, and pain. It also helps maintain proper levels of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone. UV rays from the sun cause the skin to generate vitamin D in the body. Fish, eggs, and dairy products with added vitamin C are additional excellent vitamin sources. Vitamin D can be deficient due to sun exposure limitations or diet. To assess vitamin D levels, the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test measures the amount of calcidiol (the main form of stored vitamin D) in your blood. This test, also known as the 25-OH vitamin D test, helps diagnose deficiency or excess vitamin D, potentially linked to bone problems like rickets or osteoporosis.
Price : ₹ 1,800
- Diagnose bone conditions:
- Rickets in children (bone malformation and increased fracture risk)
- Osteomalacia in adults (weak and soft bones)
- Monitor vitamin D replacement therapy: See if treatment is raising vitamin D levels effectively.
- Identify secondary hyperparathyroidism: Low vitamin D can be a contributing factor.
- Assess overall vitamin D status: Measure the body’s current vitamin D levels.
- Additional testing for kidney disease: Patients with kidney problems might require a different vitamin D test (1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D).
The Vitamin D Total-25 Hydroxy Plasma/Serum Test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in your blood. It is the major storage form of vitamin D in the body. By measuring 25(OH)D levels, the test indirectly reflects how much vitamin D is stored and available for use. This is the most widely used and accurate test to assess your overall vitamin D status.
During a vitamin D blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Deficiency can indicate an increased risk of:
- Osteoporosis (weak bones and fractures)
- Rickets in children (bone malformation)
- Osteomalacia in adults (bone softening)
Toxicity is rare, but possible with excessive vitamin D supplementation. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, and weakness.
Here are the groups of people who might benefit from getting a Vitamin D Total-25 Hydroxy Plasma/Serum Test:
People with symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Frequent fractures
Individuals at higher risk of deficiency:
- Limited sun exposure (due to geographical location, clothing habits, or use of sunscreen)
- Darker skin pigmentation (less efficient vitamin D synthesis from sunlight)
- Certain medical conditions affecting fat absorption (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
- Older adults (skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D with age)
Those taking medications that can interfere with vitamin D metabolism:
- Some medications like corticosteroids or certain anticonvulsants
People undergoing monitoring of vitamin D replacement therapy:
- To ensure the treatment is effectively raising vitamin D levels
Pregnant or breastfeeding women:
- Vitamin D is crucial for fetal bone development and maintaining maternal health.
Additionally, a doctor might recommend this test for individuals with:
- Unexplained bone pain or weakness
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty maintaining balance or increased falls
- A family history of osteoporosis
