Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) or Discriminatory Binding Protein (DBP) Concentration
This test measures the level of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in your blood. DBP helps transport vitamin D and other hormones through your bloodstream.
["Understanding your DBP levels can help assess vitamin D metabolism and related hormone function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14547-4
- Short code
- MuV Ag Skin Ql IF
- Synonyms
- MuV Ag Skin Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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 you have symptoms or conditions linked to vitamin D metabolism, such as certain hormonal disorders, kidney disease, or if you’re being evaluated for conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism or other endocrine imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on certain medications or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know.
What the Results Mean
Results are used to evaluate how well your body processes vitamin D and related hormones. Abnormal levels may indicate issues with hormone transport or metabolic pathways, which can affect conditions like calcium metabolism or endocrine disorders.
Common Conditions Linked to DBP Testing
This test is often part of a broader evaluation for conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism, where hormone resistance or dysfunction leads to metabolic abnormalities. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to assess vitamin D binding capacity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) plays a critical role in transporting vitamin D and other hormones in your blood. Abnormal levels may suggest underlying metabolic or endocrine disorders, such as resistance to parathyroid hormone (pseudohypoparathyroidism) or kidney-related hormone imbalances. Your provider will use these results alongside other clinical findings to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
DBP Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a DBP test measure?
How is this test different from a vitamin D test?
Can diet or supplements affect DBP levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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