Vitamin D - What is it?
This blood test measures the amount of vitamin D in the blood. There are two forms of this vitamin, the active and non-active form. It is common to test the non-active form of vitamin D in the blood to determine a deficiency.The blood value determination for vitamin D identifies whether there is a deficiency. Often, symptoms of fatigue or lethargy can be explained by a vitamin D deficiency. Many people in the Netherlands take supplements, as there is little sunshine. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (like vitamins A, E, and K). A deficiency of this vitamin causes symptoms because vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of other substances (such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphate). Therefore, a deficiency can also affect your bones, leading to conditions like rickets. Fortunately, this is rare in the Netherlands.
In our body, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the most important vitamin D molecule that is made in the skin and activated in the rest of the body (kidney and liver). This is the non-active form, and it is what we measure in the blood test. The active form, calcitriol, is mainly activated in the kidneys.
What do we determine?
We determine the inactive form of vitamin D, also known as vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol, or in molecular terms, 25-hydroxy vitamin D.It is important to maintain the inactive form (25-hydroxy vitamin D) between 50 and 150 nmol/L. However, for others with persistent symptoms, it is advisable to maintain a higher minimum value.
Fasting for the test?
You do not need to fast for this blood test. The results typically take about 48 hours.When to choose this test?
Opt for this vitamin blood test when:- You want to know if a vitamin-rich diet/lifestyle is effective
- You have been feeling tired for a while and think it may be due to a vitamin D deficiency
- You want to measure the effect of vitamin supplements or pills
- You want to detect problems with your parathyroid gland
When to test?
If you have symptoms of fatigue, it is advised to test when symptoms occur.How accurate is the Vitamine D blood test?
The accuracy of the test for Vitamine D is conducted through ISO-certified laboratories. The accuracy of a test method is expressed in terms of specificity and sensitivity. However, the most important aspect is that the results are interpreted and accepted among general practitioners and hospitals. This is the case with our venous samples. Mutual acceptance may not always be present due to potentially reduced reliability with a capillary sample.
How long does it take to receive the results of a Vitamine D blood test?
Most tests generally take 24-48 hours. Tests that go through an LC-MS method generally take longer, think about an average of 3-7 working days. Additionally, it also depends on the location. Some locations do the analysis themselves and others outsource it to another lab.
How do I interpret the results of a Vitamine D blood test?
Interpreting the results of Vitamine D is not always easy and should be seen in the broader picture, along with anamnesis and physical examination. In the doctor's advice section, the query in which you can already outline your complaints is taken into account, otherwise, the results are interpreted in conjunction with the other results. If necessary, the doctor can call to ask about physical abnormalities. You don't have to interpret the results yourself because there is always advice and explanation from the doctor.
What should I do if my results from a Vitamine D blood test are abnormal?
If the results of the test for Vitamine D are clinically significantly abnormal, the doctor will contact you by phone. If you are not reachable, you will receive an email. This includes advice and an explanation of the abnormal results and what you can do about them. If you need a prescription or referral, we can help with that.
How much does a Vitamine D blood test cost? Is it covered by insurance?
The costs of Vitamine D can be found on the product page. Depending on your insurance and additional packages, you may be reimbursed for these costs for Vitamine D. For example, tests for IVF treatment are often reimbursed. After your order, you will receive an invoice that you can submit to your insurance.
How can I order a Vitamine D blood test?
The ordering process is easy. You can add a Vitamine D test or the tests you want to your shopping cart. In step two, you fill in your details and pay. Then you will receive an email confirmation and you can go to a collection location. After you have been there, you will receive the results of the Vitamine D test in your Portal.
Is my data safe when I get a Vitamine D blood test?
We are certified-ready according to the NEN 7510 and 7512 standards for secure data transfer in healthcare. The Portal is secured with two-factor authentication. Your data is also encrypted. We do not send the results of Vitamine D to third parties without permission, not even to your general practitioner without your consent.
Do I need to visit a clinic for a Vitamine D blood test, or can it be done remotely?
The blood test for Vitamine D must take place at one of the collection locations we provide. At certain locations, it is possible for a phlebotomist to come to you. You can indicate this during checkout. An appointment will then be made as soon as possible to come to your home.
How do I book an appointment for Vitamine D blood test?
You can easily make an appointment for Vitamine D blood test after your order in your Portal. You can visit almost daily in all major cities in the Netherlands. In smaller cities, you can visit on certain days. At certain locations, it is also possible to visit on weekends.
Is a doctor's interpretation included in a Vitamine D blood test?
An interpretation by a doctor or an explanation is included in the Vitamine D test. The explanation takes into account the query that you can specify in your Portal after ordering.
How does a Vitamine D blood test differ from over-the-counter tests?
For blood tests, we always use venous sampling. This is the gold standard for blood collection. Over-the-counter tests, such as a finger prick test, use the capillary route for blood collection. These do not always give the same results and the accuracy depends on how, where, and with which technique the collection is done. The advantage, of course, is that the test is easier and less painful to take.
What payment options are available for a Vitamine D blood test?
You can always pay with iDeal and credit card (VISA, Mastercard, and Amex). This also includes Apple Pay. The phlebotomists at the collection location cannot accept cash payments.
Are the results of a Vitamine D blood test shareable with my doctor?
The results of Labplusarts can be shared with your general practitioner at your request. However, you can also easily arrange this yourself by downloading the result in PDF format. Because we use comparable test methods as the general practitioner, the results are interchangeable and comparable so that comparisons can be made well.
