Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) - Serum
This test measures the level of vitamin D binding protein, a protein in your blood that helps transport vitamin D and other substances.
["Understanding your vitamin D binding protein levels can help assess how well your body processes certain nutrients and vitamins."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48051-7
- Short code
- RBC Vag Ql
- Synonyms
- RBC Vag Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 related to how your body handles vitamin D, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or certain genetic disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for metabolic or endocrine issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if it involves drawing blood, but this is not always the case. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The test usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What the Results Mean
Results are not typically interpreted alone. They are usually reviewed alongside other tests, symptoms, and medical history. Abnormal levels might indicate conditions affecting protein metabolism or vitamin D transport.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Vitamin D binding protein levels can be important in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like nephrotic syndrome, liver disease, or hereditary conditions affecting protein synthesis. It may also help assess how well vitamin D is being transported in the body, which can influence overall health and bone metabolism.
Short name
DBP
Frequently asked questions
What does a high level of vitamin D binding protein mean?
What does a low level of vitamin D binding protein mean?
Can diet or lifestyle affect vitamin D binding protein 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy