Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy $59.00
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The assay for Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, encompasses a singular test with one biomarker present.
Concise Overview:
This specific blood analysis, also referred to as the 25(OH)D evaluation, quantifies the total amounts of 25-hydroxyvitamin D circulating within the system. It aims to provide an overview of an individual’s vitamin D status, playing a pivotal role in ensuring optimal bone health and general vitality. Vitamin D is integral for proper absorption of calcium, maintaining bone integrity, bolstering immune response, and other critical physiological functions.
Also Identified As:
25-hydroxyvitamin D Assessment, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Measurement
Method of Collection:
Venipuncture
Type of Specimen:
Blood Serum
Instructions Prior to Test:
Although fasting is preferred, it is not a mandatory requirement.
Appropriate Circumstances for Ordering a Vitamin D Test:
Bone Health Analysis:
This test becomes crucial when there’s a potential deficiency of vitamin D, or there’s a need to scrutinize bone integrity, aiding in the identification of conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, or osteomalacia that are linked with insuTicient levels of vitamin D.
Supplementation Monitoring:
For those undergoing vitamin D supplementation, this test is essential to track the eTicacy of the supplements, ensuring that the vitamin D concentrations in the body are reaching the targeted levels.
Digestive and Absorption Disorders Assessment:
Individuals dealing with malabsorption issues or gastrointestinal conditions may necessitate the Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total test to determine their vitamin D status and absorption eTiciency.
Chronic Condition Evaluation:
Certain persistent illnesses, including kidney or liver diseases and various autoimmune conditions, have the potential to alter vitamin D metabolism. In such instances, this test is vital for evaluating the levels of vitamin D.
A Vitamin D blood test serves to measure the levels of Vitamin D in the bloodstream, crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
This test analyzes two specific forms of Vitamin D: 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Predominantly, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is present in the bloodstream, serving as a precursor to the active hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Due to its higher concentration and longer half-life, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is commonly tested to evaluate an individual’s Vitamin D status.
The primary role of Vitamin D is to regulate the balance of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in our blood. It is integral for the development and maintenance of strong bones; a deficiency can lead to bones becoming fragile and misshapen, resulting in conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Beyond its role in bone health, Vitamin D is known to influence the growth and diTerentiation of various tissues and helps in regulating the immune system. Vitamin D’s other functions have also been associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that while two-thirds of the US population has suTicient Vitamin D levels, 25% are at risk of having inadequate levels, and 8% are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency, based on the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intake guidelines.
Groups at higher risk for Vitamin D insuTiciency include the elderly, individuals with obesity, those with limited sun exposure, people with darker skin, and those on certain medications for extended periods. SuTicient sun exposure is typically defined as two sessions per week lasting 5-20 minutes each. For those lacking adequate sun exposure, Vitamin D can be obtained through diet and supplements.
Laboratory tests that are frequently ordered alongside a Vitamin D test include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
- Magnesium
Conditions that commonly necessitate a Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total test:
Vitamin D Deficiency:
This test is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring low levels of Vitamin D, which could lead to conditions such as rickets in children, and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults.
Osteoporosis and Osteopenia:
InsuTicient Vitamin D levels are linked to a heightened risk of developing osteoporosis or osteopenia, conditions marked by diminished bone density.
Malabsorption Disorders:
Individuals grappling with malabsorption issues, including celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or cystic fibrosis, may not adequately absorb Vitamin D. Testing is vital to evaluate Vitamin D levels in these cases.