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Vitamin D Metabolite Serum/plasma Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the total amount of vitamin D metabolites in your blood, which helps assess your vitamin D status.

Quick summary

["Your vitamin D levels can affect bone health and other body functions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35365-6
Short code
Vit D+metab SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Vit D+metab SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
30
Ref high
100
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of low vitamin D, such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or frequent infections. It may also be used to monitor vitamin D levels in people who take supplements or have conditions like osteoporosis or rickets.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy exercise on the day of the test.

What Happens During the Test

A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

What the Results Mean

Results are typically reported as a mass concentration of vitamin D metabolites in the blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, low levels may indicate vitamin D deficiency, while higher levels may suggest excess intake or certain medical conditions.

Reference range

NCBI: Vitamin D 30-100 ng/mL (sufficient)N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Vitamin D Levels (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low vitamin D levels can be caused by insufficient sun exposure, poor diet, certain medical conditions (like malabsorption disorders), or medications that interfere with vitamin D metabolism. High levels may result from overuse of supplements or rare genetic disorders.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Results are usually available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Can I Take Vitamin D Supplements Based on This Test?
Only your healthcare provider can recommend the right dosage of supplements based on your test results and overall health. Never self-treat with high doses of vitamin D without medical guidance.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy