Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) concentration in serum/plasma
This test measures the amount of vitamin D binding protein, a protein in your blood that helps transport vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins.
["Understanding your vitamin D binding protein levels can help assess how well your body processes certain vitamins."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59152-9
- Short code
- VRE DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- VRE DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 they suspect vitamin D deficiency, metabolic bone disease, or other conditions affecting vitamin metabolism. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for genetic disorders or kidney function issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn from a vein, but this is not always required. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized immunoassay method to measure the protein concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a concentration level of the vitamin D binding protein in your blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal levels may indicate conditions like vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, or genetic disorders affecting protein function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of vitamin D binding protein can sometimes be linked to kidney disease, liver conditions, or genetic disorders like congenital hypercholesterolemia. Low levels may suggest vitamin D deficiency or other metabolic imbalances, though they are less commonly the primary focus of this test alone. This protein’s role is primarily supportive, so results are often interpreted alongside other clinical findings and tests.
Short name
Vitamin D binding protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a vitamin D binding protein test measure?
Why might my doctor order this test?
Can fasting affect this test?
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