Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out if you have enough vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium is vital for your bones. If you do not have enough vitamin D, you could get serious bone problems. ‚
This test is also done to: ‚
- See how well the parathyroid gland is working
- Make sure you do not have too much vitamin D in your body
- See if you need more supplements of calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium
- Check your vitamin D level if you had gastric bypass surgery
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will know the level of vitamin D in your body.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong. Low vitamin D levels can be caused by many things. You may not be getting enough sunlight or you may have a poor diet. You may have a problem with one of the organs in your body that helps control vitamin D levels.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
There are no special things to do before the test. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
- You may go home after the test.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may ask you to see a bone doctor or other special doctor if your test result is not normal.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
If you have a low level of vitamin D in your blood, you may still be able to raise it by doing these: ‚
- Eating or drinking foods that have a lot of vitamin D. These include milk, orange juice, cooked salmon, canned tuna fish, yogurt, or cereal with vitamin D added.
- Spending 10 to 15 minutes each day in the sun. Sunlight can help the body make vitamin D.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may suggest you take a vitamin D supplement if your levels are low. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/vitamin-d/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚