Vitamin D Test,
Vitamin D is important for good health, growth and strong bones. A lack of vitamin D is very common. A recent survey in the UK showed that more than half of adults in the UK did not have enough vitamin D. 90% of vitamin D is obtained from sunlight. A simple finger prick blood test is used to measure the level of vitamin D.
Who is this test for?
- People who get very little sunlight on their skin are at risk of vitamin D deficiency
- Elderly people have thinner skin than younger people and so are unable to produce as much vitamin D
- People who have darker skin. For example, people of African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin, because their bodies are not able to make as much vitamin D.
Symptoms?
- Tiredness,
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
What is being measured?
- Levels of Vitamin D (25-OH).
Specimen requirements?
- Finger prick blood sample
Special instructions?
- See instructions inside test kit for details.
Turnaround Time?
- 2 working days after receipt of sample.