Skip to content

Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) in Serum/Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the concentration of vitamin D binding protein, a protein in your blood that helps transport vitamin D and other hormones.

Quick summary

["Understanding your vitamin D binding protein levels can help assess how well your body processes certain vitamins and hormones."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26308-7
Short code
Guided Vein-L LB CVC place
Synonyms
Guided Vein-L LB CVC place
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
imaging-modality
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism, hormone transport, or kidney function. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for genetic disorders or certain metabolic syndromes.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, inform your provider before the test.

What the Results Mean

Results provide information about the amount of vitamin D binding protein in your blood, but they are often interpreted in relation to other clinical findings, such as symptoms or lab results. Elevated or low levels may indicate underlying health concerns.

Common Conditions Monitored

While vitamin D binding protein itself isn’t directly linked to many specific diseases, abnormal levels can sometimes reflect conditions like kidney disease, genetic disorders (e.g., congenital disorders of glycosylation), or hormonal imbalances.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

DBP Level

Frequently asked questions

What does a vitamin D binding protein test measure?
This test measures the concentration of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in your blood, which helps transport vitamin D and other hormones. It’s not a direct measure of vitamin D levels but can provide insight into how well your body processes these substances.
How is this test different from a vitamin D test?
A vitamin D test (e.g., 25-hydroxy vitamin D) measures the actual vitamin D in your blood. This test measures vitamin D binding protein, which is a protein that binds to vitamin D and other hormones to transport them in the bloodstream. They serve different purposes in diagnosis and monitoring.
Can this test be done at home?
No, this test requires a blood sample collected by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Home blood tests for specific proteins are not standard and should only be performed under medical supervision.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy