Better Technology = A Better Vitamin D Test
We use a testing platform called liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, also known as LC/MS/MS. Published scientific literature largely favors LC/MS/MS as the new method of reference for testing for levels of many hormones and vitamins, including Vitamin D.
LC/MS/MS has certain advantages over older testing methods that measure Vitamin D. One of these is the ability of LC/MS/MS to specifically and precisely quantify specific forms of Vitamin D, including D2 and D3. This is an important advantage as Vitamin D2 therapy is the predominant form of therapy in the U.S. for treating Vitamin D deficiency. Physicians may not be able to accurately assess a patient's Vitamin D2 levels using other techniques.
We at Quest Diagnostics are excited at the potential insights LC/MS/MS technology may reveal about the role of Vitamin D on health.
What does the Quest Diagnostics Vitamin D test report?
Our Vitamin D test results provide the total level of Vitamin D found in a patient's blood serum, and the diagnostic category, such as Vitamin D deficient or sufficient, indicated by the total level. We also provide information on the levels of Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 in blood serum, which is helpful for physicians prescribing therapy for Vitamin D deficiency.