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A vitamin D test is also called a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test. It can help you check your vitamin D levels at home. Many of these tests are of the same quality as those that medical professionals use.
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A quick look at the best at-home vitamin D tests
Best overall: LetsGetChecked Vitamin D Test | Skip to review
LetsGetChecked Vitamin D Test
Skip to review
Best low cost option: Everlywell Vitamin D Test | Skip to review
Everlywell Vitamin D Test
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Best for fast results: myLAB Box Vitamin D Test | Skip to review
myLAB Box Vitamin D Test
Skip to review
This article discusses how at-home vitamin D tests work, how reliable they are, and which products to consider. It also looks at when you might consider getting medical advice on vitamin D deficiency.
vitamin D
What to know about vitamin D tests
Vitamin D tests involve taking a blood sample to measure the vitamin D levels in your bloodstream. This type of test may suit you if you live with a chronic condition, such as asthma, psoriasis, or an autoimmune disease.
test
asthma
psoriasis
autoimmune disease
Doctors may suggest taking a vitamin D test to monitor bone conditions, especially if you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. These may include:
include
bone weakness
bone softness
bone malformation
fractures
You may also consider a vitamin D test if you are at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. You may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency if you have:
high risk
obesity
obesity
limited sunlight exposure
sunlight
darker skin tone
osteoporosis
osteoporosis
There are some risks to getting vitamin D tests. The main risk is that you may collect a sample incorrectly, leading to an invalid test result. If you do not feel confident collecting your own sample, going to a healthcare professional to get a vitamin D test may be a better option.
There is also a risk that your test samples will get lost in the mail, or, rarely, laboratories may mix up results. However, using tracked mail delivery services and laboratories that follow regulations can minimize these risks.
Best at-home vitamin D tests
LetsGetChecked Vitamin D Test
Results in: 5 days
Tests for: vitamin D
Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Follow-up guidance: free nurse assistance to discuss results
Use code “HEALTHLINE25″ for 25% off
$89.00 AT LETSGETCHECKED
*Price may vary.
The LetsGetChecked Vitamin D test involves taking a finger-prick blood sample.
Once you receive your test kit, you will need to activate it by answering a series of health questions on your personal dashboard, which you can access through the LetsGetChecked website or app.
The LetsGetChecked website advises you to collect your samples before 10 a.m. from Monday to Thursday and return them on the day of collection to avoid samples clotting during transit to the lab.
You can access your results through your secure LetsGetChecked online account.
Read our review of LetsGetChecked.
Read our review of LetsGetChecked.
“I found out a few months ago that I had a severe vitamin D deficiency, so I started taking daily Vitamin D supplements. I was curious if these were working and if I was taking a high enough dose, but didn’t want to go through a whole doctors appointment and bloodwork test.
“It was super easy to create an account and register my kit. Everlywell’s app is extremely user-friendly, and they provide QR codes and step-by-step instructions for how to register your kit. It took me less than a minute to register the kit.
“For this test, I did have to prick my finger. The process went a lot smoother than I had expected. The kit came with several tips on how to make it easier, like putting your finger against a hard surface so that you don’t have to push as hard, as well as running your hands under warm water and moving them around to get the blood to flow faster. It was a very quick process and took me longer to prep my finger than it did to collect the sample. The lancet tool they provide was very easy to use and not scary, as it was easy to hold and didn’t show the needle at any point in the process.
“I would definitely recommend this product to our readers. Although I hate getting my finger pricked at the doctor, the Everlywell test kit made it really easy and quick to do at home by myself. I loved using the app and found the entire process of at-home testing to be very clear and quick. It was nice that I got to do the test in the comfort of my own home, on my own time.
“I had a really positive experience with Everlywell. I have used several of their at home tests and have never had any issues. I really like how easy it is to use their app, both to learn how to collect the sample and to use it for receiving results. I never like having to log into a bunch of portals to get my lab results from the doctor, which are then sometimes confusing to interpret. With Everlywell, I got a notification when my results were ready, and simply clicked it and immediately had an understandable read on my vitamin D levels.”
— Heather Riesebeck, Healthline Associate
“I found out a few months ago that I had a severe vitamin D deficiency, so I started taking daily Vitamin D supplements. I was curious if these were working and if I was taking a high enough dose, but didn’t want to go through a whole doctors appointment and bloodwork test.
“It was super easy to create an account and register my kit. Everlywell’s app is extremely user-friendly, and they provide QR codes and step-by-step instructions for how to register your kit. It took me less than a minute to register the kit.
“For this test, I did have to prick my finger. The process went a lot smoother than I had expected. The kit came with several tips on how to make it easier, like putting your finger against a hard surface so that you don’t have to push as hard, as well as running your hands under warm water and moving them around to get the blood to flow faster. It was a very quick process and took me longer to prep my finger than it did to collect the sample. The lancet tool they provide was very easy to use and not scary, as it was easy to hold and didn’t show the needle at any point in the process.
“I would definitely recommend this product to our readers. Although I hate getting my finger pricked at the doctor, the Everlywell test kit made it really easy and quick to do at home by myself. I loved using the app and found the entire process of at-home testing to be very clear and quick. It was nice that I got to do the test in the comfort of my own home, on my own time.
“I had a really positive experience with Everlywell. I have used several of their at home tests and have never had any issues. I really like how easy it is to use their app, both to learn how to collect the sample and to use it for receiving results. I never like having to log into a bunch of portals to get my lab results from the doctor, which are then sometimes confusing to interpret. With Everlywell, I got a notification when my results were ready, and simply clicked it and immediately had an understandable read on my vitamin D levels.”
— Heather Riesebeck, Healthline Associate
offers 24/7 medical support for its customers
nurses will call customers if your results are out of range
accepts FSA and HSA payments
free shipping
higher cost than some other vitamin D tests
not available for New York state residents
does not accept insurance
offers 24/7 medical support for its customers
nurses will call customers if your results are out of range
accepts FSA and HSA payments
free shipping
higher cost than some other vitamin D tests
not available for New York state residents
does not accept insurance
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Everlywell Vitamin D Test
Results in: 5–7 days
Tests for: vitamin D levels
Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
Follow-up guidance: guidance and general recommendations to improve low levels of vitamin D
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
$49.00 AT EVERLYWELL
*Price may vary.
Everlywell is an online company that offers a variety of at-home test kits and ships within the United States.
An Everlywell vitamin D test involves you taking a finger-prick blood sample. Results will show whether your vitamin D levels are elevated, adequate, or suboptimal. The company claims that most test results are available within a few business days of the lab processing the sample.
You need to create an Everlywell account to register your test kits and check your results.
Read our review of Everlywell.
Read our review of Everlywell.
lower cost than some other options
offers a doctor-reviewed personalized report with resources and health insights
offers live group webinars to provide more information
offers a membership plan for monthly vitamin D tests
allows FSA and HSA payments
higher turnaround time than some other options
does not accept insurance
not available for New York state residents
lower cost than some other options
offers a doctor-reviewed personalized report with resources and health insights
offers live group webinars to provide more information
offers a membership plan for monthly vitamin D tests
allows FSA and HSA payments
higher turnaround time than some other options
does not accept insurance
not available for New York state residents
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
myLAB Box Vitamin D Test
Results in: 1 to 5 days
Tests for: vitamin D levels
Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
Follow-up guidance: none
$89.00 AT MYLAB BOX
*Price may vary.
MyLab Box offers its at-home vitamin D test across all U.S. states except New York.
You must provide a finger-prick blood sample to take the test, and the company claims that you can get your results within 2 to 5 days.
In some cases, you may receive a free consultation with a doctor to discuss your results. If your test indicates you may have a vitamin D deficiency, myLAB Box suggests you share your test results with a doctor to get further advice.
Read our review of myLAB Box.
Read our review of myLAB Box.
faster turnaround time than some of its competitors
offers a free consultation with a doctor in some circumstances
offers a subscription service for twice-yearly testing
offers free shipping
accepts FSA and HSA payments
costs more than some of its competitors
not available for New York state residents
faster turnaround time than some of its competitors
offers a free consultation with a doctor in some circumstances
offers a subscription service for twice-yearly testing
offers free shipping
accepts FSA and HSA payments
costs more than some of its competitors
not available for New York state residents
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Comparing the best vitamin D tests
The following table compares the vitamin D tests in this article on price, turnaround time, and whether consultations are available.
LetsGetChecked
Everlywell
myLAB Box
How we chose the best vitamin D tests
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
CLIA-certified
Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
What is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test?
There are two forms of vitamin D in the blood: 25-hydroxy vitamin D, or calcidiol, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, or calcitriol. Tests will measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in your blood. This is because 25-hydroxy vitamin D is a better indicator of your vitamin D levels and stays in the bloodstream for longer, making it easier to detect.
25-hydroxy vitamin D
If you have a vitamin D test at a doctor’s office, the doctor will take a small blood sample from the arm using a needle. If you take a test at home, you will take a blood sample using a finger-prick test.
Learn more about the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test.
about the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test
How to choose a vitamin D test
Some things you should consider when looking for an at-home test include:
Cost: At-home testing can be expensive, so consider your budget and whether it could be more affordable to get a test with a doctor who accepts your insurance.
Certifications and accreditations: You should always check for CAP, CLIA, and ISO certifications to make sure the company you are buying from will send your sample to reputable and safe labs.
Reviews and reputation: Checking independent reviews from sites such the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help a person make an informed decision about a company’s reputation.
Vitamin D deficiency
According to a 2022 overview of vitamin D deficiency, around 1 billion people worldwide have a vitamin D deficiency, and 50% of the global population has vitamin D insufficiency.
2022 overview
Although the article states that most people with a vitamin D deficiency will not experience symptoms, some people do.
symptoms
Another important thing to consider is the source of vitamin D. The overview suggests you should spend 20 minutes a day in the sun. However, this also brings risks of premature aging and skin cancer.
skin cancer
A person should always use sunscreen when outside to protect the skin against the sun’s harmful effects.
sunscreen
How to increase vitamin D
The body makes vitamin D naturally when you expose it to the sun. However, people who are older, live further north, or have a dark skin tone may not be able to create enough vitamin D.
Spending 20 minutes per day in the sun can help increase vitamin D levels. However, it is important to wear sunscreen to protect the skin against sun damage.
20 minutes per day
You can also use vitamin D supplements to increase your vitamin levels. The British National Health Service (NHS) recommends taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplements every day during the fall and winter.
vitamin D supplements
10 micrograms
When to speak with a doctor
You should speak with a doctor about vitamin D deficiency if you have symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency or if you have conditions that put you at a higher risk of developing one.
Situations include people with insufficient intake of foods containing vitamin D and malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
Crohn’s disease
celiac disease
Symptoms that may indicate a vitamin D deficiency include:
frequent infections
muscle weakness, aches, or cramps
muscle weakness
aches
cramps
bone and joint pain
bone
joint pain
fractures
fractures
fatigue
fatigue
mood changes
depression
depression
Frequently asked questions about vitamin D test kits
The vitamin D test is a blood test that you can get done at a doctor’s office or at home. It will determine the amount of vitamin D in the bloodstream. The best test to get is a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test because it is a suitable indicator of your levels.
The vitamin D test is a blood test that you can get done at a doctor’s office or at home. It will determine the amount of vitamin D in the bloodstream. The best test to get is a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test because it is a suitable indicator of your levels.
Many people will not experience symptoms from low vitamin D. However, some symptoms may develop due to secondary conditions that chronic or severe vitamin D deficiency causes. These conditions can include rickets, osteoporosis, and hyperparathyroidism.
will not
rickets
osteoporosis
hyperparathyroidism
In children, symptoms of low vitamin D may include lethargy, irritability, bone changes, fractures, and delayed development.
lethargy
irritability
fractures
Many people will not experience symptoms from low vitamin D. However, some symptoms may develop due to secondary conditions that chronic or severe vitamin D deficiency causes. These conditions can include rickets, osteoporosis, and hyperparathyroidism.
will not
rickets
osteoporosis
hyperparathyroidism
In children, symptoms of low vitamin D may include lethargy, irritability, bone changes, fractures, and delayed development.
lethargy
irritability
fractures
You will take a vitamin D and a vitamin D3 test in the same way.
You will take a vitamin D and a vitamin D3 test in the same way.
Doctors measure vitamin D deficiencies in nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The current staging is as follows:
as follows
• Deficiency: Below 30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL.
• Inadequate levels: 30 to 50 nmol/L or 2 to 20 ng/mL.
• Adequate levels: 50 to 125 nmol/L or 20 to 50 ng/mL.
• High levels: Above 125 nmol/L or 50 ng/mL.
Doctors measure vitamin D deficiencies in nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The current staging is as follows:
as follows
• Deficiency: Below 30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL.
• Inadequate levels: 30 to 50 nmol/L or 2 to 20 ng/mL.
• Adequate levels: 50 to 125 nmol/L or 20 to 50 ng/mL.
• High levels: Above 125 nmol/L or 50 ng/mL.
Samples from at-home tests go through the same lab processing as those from medical professionals in a doctor’s office or clinic. The validation process for at-home testing is the same as for traditional testing that takes place in a lab and clinic.
However, if you take a test at home, you must follow all the test manufacturer’s instructions to avoid invalidating the results.
You can check whether the lab that processes your chosen test has accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). You can also check whether the lab’s manufacturing facilities have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification.
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Samples from at-home tests go through the same lab processing as those from medical professionals in a doctor’s office or clinic. The validation process for at-home testing is the same as for traditional testing that takes place in a lab and clinic.
However, if you take a test at home, you must follow all the test manufacturer’s instructions to avoid invalidating the results.
You can check whether the lab that processes your chosen test has accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). You can also check whether the lab’s manufacturing facilities have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification.
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Vitamin D test results may list vitamin D as 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. This is because the liver changes vitamin D into 25(OH)D so your body can use it.
Vitamin D test results may list vitamin D as 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. This is because the liver changes vitamin D into 25(OH)D so your body can use it.
No, a complete blood count (CBC) test does not test for vitamin D. It tests for red and white blood cells and platelets.
No, a complete blood count (CBC) test does not test for vitamin D. It tests for red and white blood cells and platelets.
Summary
Several at-home vitamin D tests are available online that offer you a convenient and comfortable way to check your vitamin D levels. They can cost between $50 and $90.
Vitamin D is essential for vital bodily functions, and low vitamin D levels can have widespread effects on the body.
If you experience symptoms of vitamin D deficiency or receive test results indicating you may be deficient in vitamin D, you should speak with a doctor for treatment advice.