25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test: Purpose, Procedure, Normal Levels, and Result Interpr

1. 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test: Purpose, Procedure & Results The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to assess vitamin D levels in the body. Also termed clinically as the 25(OH)D test aids in the detection of vitamins D2 and D3 and has also found wide application as a test of vitamin D deficiency or toxicity. This is a blood test also known as the 25-Hydroxy vitamin D test or 25(OH)D test, that evaluates both forms of vitamin D, both D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). It aids in identifying that your body is getting an adequate amount of this fat-soluble vitamin as needed to maintain normal physiological functions. Since some signs of a deficiency may be ambiguous, such as fatigue, muscle ache, or low mood, this test can be the first bridge on the way of detecting hidden imbalances. Understanding Vitamin D & its Significance Vitamin D is found in two forms of vitamins: ● Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): It is obtained through the vegetal sources as well as fortified foods. ● Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): It is produced by the skin during sun exposure, and available in animal food. In the body, the two forms are processed by the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which is the major circulating vitamin D form. The result of the test 25-hydroxy vitamin D refers to such

2. a compound because it is an indicator of the total vitamin D that is the result of exposure to the sun, food, and supplements. Purpose of the 25(OH)D Test Doctors can prescribe the test on many grounds: ● In Order to Detect Deficiency ● Monitoring Supplementation ● Chronic Disease Assessment ● Pregnancy and Menopause ● Pediatric Issue and Geriatric Concerns The Procedure The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is a simple blood test that is conducted in the routine diagnostic laboratories. ● Step-by-Step Process: ● Preparation:No preparation diet is necessitated. Report supplements and drugs that are being used. ● Sample Collection:A blood sample is taken through a vein, normally the inner elbow. ● Duration:Less than five minutes of duration. ● After Process:You might see slight bruises or pain where the puncture has taken place, which disappears automatically. ● Results:Nearly all the labs grant the result in24-48 hours. Major risks associated with this test do not exist. It is non-invasive, fast and safe. Normal level of Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy ● In the majority of grown-ups:30-100 ng/mL ● It applies to both the female and male gender unless special circumstances arise. Normal Level of Vitamin D in Women ● The given optimal range corresponds between females and men(30 100 ng/mL). ● Pregnancy, breastfeeding or even menopause, however, may have a clinician targeting60-80 ng/mLbecause of increased calcium and metabolic needs. What Does an Abnormal Result Mean? The Levels of Vitamin D are Low (Under 30 ng/mL) Causes: ● Poor exposure to the sunlight ● Dark skin color (that inhibits the production of vitamin D) ● Unhealthy eating ● Malabsorption syndromes

3. Possible Health Hazards: ● Child rickets ● Osteomalacia or osteoporosis in grown-ups ● The risk of fractures increases ● Slow healing of wounds Management: ● Vitamin D fishing (cholecalciferol or nonvitamin D). ● Augmented sun exposure (15 30 mins / day) Vitamin D Upper Level (In Excess of 100 ng/ml) Causes: ● Over usage of supplements ● Self medication or Prescription mistakes Health Risks: ● Hypercalcemia ● Nausea, vomiting ● Kidney stones Management: ● Emergent withdrawal of supplements ● Glucose levels, calcium and kidney levels monitoring Special Considerations Gender and Age ● Older patients may require increased supplementation because they have relatively reduced conversion capacity in the skin. ● Women of childbearing or lactation age should have altered doses. Climate and Subsistence People in the big cities, people dressed in complete cloth garments, or people who have indoor lifestyles are at increased risks. Medication Interference It is possible that use of anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids or weight loss medications such as orlistat can decrease either absorption or metabolism of vitamin D. At what time should you get tested?

4. Take a test of the 25 -hydroxy vitamin D in case you: ● Feel tired of no reason, pain in the bones or muscle aches and pains ● Have doses of a moderate sun exposure or are darker-skinned ● Pregnant, breastfeeding or menopausal ● A past history of osteoporosis, broken bones or fractures Conclusion Vitamin D has to be considered one of the most necessary nutrients of the human body, and the 25-hydroxy test of this vitamin is an extremely important diagnostic method. Conducting the test of this single marker, clinicians will disallow or treat the vast array of skeletal and non-skeletal disorders. Reference: https://www.maxathome.in/blogs/vitamin-d-test-purpose-procedure-results