Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, also aiding in growth and strengthening of your bones. Food sources of vitamin D include tuna, salmon and foods fortified with vitamin D such as cereals and milk. Exposure to direct sunlight provides vitamin D, but this also creates the added risk for skin cancer. If you do not have adequate intake of vitamin D, or if you do not spend time in sunlight, you might have a greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. Prolonged deficiency could lead to weakness in the muscles and bone pain, as well as increase the risk for conditions such as rickets and osteoporosis, explains the National Institutes of Health. If you suspect a deficiency, you should have a test to determine your levels.
Step 1
Discuss concerns with your health care provider. She will set up an appointment for you to have a blood test. In order to determine the level of vitamin D in your body, you will need a blood test called the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test, says MedlinePlus. The kidneys convert vitamin D into the active form of the vitamin, and this blood test will measure the amount of the activated vitamin D in your blood.
Step 2
Avoid eating or drinking at least four hours before the test. This will help ensure the accuracy of the results. If you take medications, you should ask your health care provider if you should take them before the test. Your doctor may allow you to have a small amount of water before the test, but you should avoid other liquids.
Step 3
Arrive for your laboratory appointment. The lab technician will use a needle to take blood from your arm, usually from your inner elbow. She will remove the needle and cover the spot with a bandage. Once the site stops bleeding you can remove this.
Step 4
Wait to hear from your health care provider. The results may take a few days to reach your doctor, but she will call you or have you come into the office to discuss your blood work. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, she may recommend supplements to increase your serum levels.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk with your doctor about the reliability of at-home 25-Hydroxy vitamin D test kits. These tests do not require that you go into a laboratory, but you will need to poke your finger and send the blood sample to a laboratory, explains the Vitamin D Council. You should also ask your health insurance carrier if they cover at home testing.
- Your doctor may order blood tests in addition to the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. Some tests require that you do not eat or drink 12 hours before the test. Make sure you discuss required preparation from any of the additional tests your health care provider orders.
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