Vitamin D
Also known as: Vitamin D2; Vitamin D3; Calcidiol; Calcifidiol; Calcitriol
Formal name: 25-hydroxy-vitamin D; 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D; 25-hydroxycholecalciferol
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency; to determine if your vitamin D supplementation level is appropriate, if you are receiving vitamin D therapy
When to Get Tested?
If you have an abnormal calcium, phosphorus, and/or parathyroid hormone level, if you have evidence of bone disease or bone weakness, if your doctor suspects that you might have vitamin D deficiency, if you are going to start drug treatment for osteoporosis, or to monitor treatment of vitamin D deficiency; the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that women at high risk of vitamin D deficiency (older women, women with malabsorption, institutionalized or homebound women, and women with dark skin) be tested.
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Test Preparation Needed?
None
