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Vitamin G (Vitamin K) Concentration in Serum

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

This test measures the amount of vitamin K in your blood. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Quick summary

["Vitamin K helps your body form blood clots and supports bone metabolism."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
94704-4
Short code
VGCC-N Bind Ab Ser IA-sCnc
Synonyms
VGCC-N Bind Ab Ser IA-sCnc
Category
electrolyte
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia
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

What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones. Your body uses it to help produce proteins that are necessary for blood to clot properly and for bone metabolism. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables, some meats, and certain supplements.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order a vitamin K test to check for deficiencies, monitor treatment for conditions like bleeding disorders, or evaluate liver function. It can also be used in newborns to prevent bleeding disorders due to low vitamin K levels at birth.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab to measure the vitamin K concentration.

What Do Results Mean?

Results provide a quantitative measure of vitamin K in your blood. While specific reference ranges vary by lab, low levels may indicate vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, or malabsorption issues, while higher levels might be due to recent vitamin K administration or certain medications.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Vitamin K Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes low vitamin K levels?
Low vitamin K levels can be caused by dietary deficiencies, liver disease, certain medications (like antibiotics or anticoagulants), or conditions affecting fat absorption (e.g., celiac disease). In newborns, low vitamin K can lead to bleeding disorders, so vitamin K shots are often given at birth.
What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may include excessive bleeding, bruising easily, or prolonged bleeding from cuts. In severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding, which may not be immediately noticeable. Many people with mild deficiencies may not experience symptoms.
How is vitamin K deficiency treated?
Treatment for vitamin K deficiency often involves increasing vitamin K intake through diet (leafy greens, meat) or supplements. If deficiency is due to malabsorption, doctors may recommend fat-soluble vitamin supplements or oral vitamin K. In severe cases, intravenous vitamin K may be administered.
  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