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
This article was last reviewed on March 9, 2009.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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