"
What is a Vitamin D test for?
Vitamin D Test is a rapid assay for the semi-quantitative detection of vitamin D in human blood. Vitamin D deficiency is such a widespread condition, that it has been recognised as a global epidemic.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. The blood concentration of vitamin D (which includes D2 and D3) is considered the best indicator of vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced in human skin through exposure to ultraviolet rays, while vitamin D2 is derived mainly from food. Vitamin D is transported to the liver where it is metabolized into 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is related to several serious diseases, such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, complications during pregnancy, depression, heart attack, autoimmune disorders, flu, cancer, infectious diseases, Alzheimer's, obesity and osteomalacia. For this reason, tests to detect the
concentration of vitamin D in the blood are now considered ""
medically necessary screening tests"" not only for
bone health but for the entire physical well-being."
"
Who should use a Vitamin D test?
Vitamin D Test is particularly recommended for people commonly at risk of being vitamin D deficient, such as subjects with the following symptoms: frequent fatigue and tiredness, insufficient exposure to the sun, limited intake of this vitamin through diet or who have problems in intestinal absorption.
"
"
How does the Vitamin D test work?
Vitamin D Test is an immunochromatographic device that, thanks to specific antibodies, can detect the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a blood sample and highlight its concentration thanks to the intensity of the Test Line (T) obtained. This Test shows results of:
- deficit 0-10 ng/ml
- insufficient 10-30 ng/ml
- sufficient 30-100 ng/ml
- excess >100 ng/ml
1) The sample is a blood drop taken with the sterile lancet contained in the box.
2) Obtain a big drop of blood by squeezing the finger and collect it with the plastic pipette.
3) Put the drop of blood on the indicated point on the device.
4) Add the diluent, wait for 10 minutes and read the result.
"
"
When should I use the Vitamin D test?
It is useful to do the Vitamin D Test if you have osteoporosis, other bone health problems or diseases that influence fat absorption (such as coeliac), following particular conditions in which the absorption of Vitamin D is compromised (such as a gastric bypass operation) or in the case of drugs that interfere with the action of the molecule (anticonvulsants and glucocorticoids).
It is also advisable to perform the Test if
calcium levels are low and/or if the patient has the typical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as rickets (bone malformation in children), bone weakness or fragility and osteomalacia, repeated bone fractures in adults. Finally, the Test is also particularly suitable for people at
high risk of deficiency (such as the elderly, hospitalised persons, those who eat very little and/or do not expose themselves to the sun and people with obesity)."
"
Common questions asked to a Doctor:
What foods are high in Vitamin D?
How can I increase my Vitamin D levels?
How does Vitamin D affect your thyroid?
How long does it take to correct a Vitamin D deficiency?"
