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INTRODUCTION
Have you been experiencing weird symptoms such as chronic fatigue, bone pain, back pain, depression, hair loss, slow wound healing, etc., and your guts keep telling you something is deficient, but you can’t seem to put a finger on it?
Perhaps you frequently worry that a low vitamin D level may be causing your recent symptoms, and you want to run a test to see if your vitamin D level is indeed the suspect. Testing to determine whether it’s within a healthy range is one way to go, or perhaps you know it’s responsible, and you’re looking to purchase a cheap yet effective vitamin D test kit.
Well, you’ve come to the right place for help.
To maintain the health and strength of your bones and teeth, vitamin D, also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is essential for the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It’s interesting to note that this fat-soluble vitamin (vitamin D2) can be obtained through food supplements as well as foods like cereals, butter, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. Interestingly, the human body can naturally produce this very important vitamin via a complex metabolic pathway influenced by sunlight exposure, which stimulates the skin’s production of vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol). Now you understand the origin of the term “sunshine vitamin.”
In addition to playing a significant role in the health of our bones and teeth, vitamin D also supports the function of our white blood cells, which protect our bodies from outside threats and support the mucosal lining of the gut and the good bacteria that live there.
The recurrence of chronic joint pain, brittle bones, fatigue, and even depression can be avoided with an early diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to perform a vitamin D test right from the comfort of your home using an at-home vitamin D test kit. You’ll also discover 7 of the best vitamin D test kits available on the market to help you make easy buying decisions.
Can I Do an At Home Vitamin D Test?
Yes, you can. Getting a test done for vitamin D deficiency is not big of a deal. Using a vitamin D test kit, you can check your vitamin D level at home. These test kits come with easy-to-follow instructions. Also, many of these testing kits are as good and accurate as going to the hospital to get tested in a laboratory. Instead of going through all that hassle, you can get this test done in the comfort of your home with just a fingertip prick.
How Can I Test My Vitamin D Levels at Home?
A vitamin D test is used to measure the amount of vitamin D in the bloodstream. The significance of performing a vitamin D test cannot be taken for granted, as vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be difficult to diagnose without a test.
Vitamin D is essential for immune health and the health of your bones and teeth. Its deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, heart disease, and diabetes. It is recommended that you take tests on a regular basis.
If you are deficient in vitamin D, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
Chronic Fatigue and tiredness.
Bone pain.
Back pain.
Depression.
Hair loss.
Slow wound healing.
Muscle pain.
Weight gain.
Frequent illness as a result of a weakened immune system.
Anxiety.
Working with your healthcare provider will help you determine the best course of action to take if you are exhibiting symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. A low level of vitamin D can ultimately lead to death in addition to a host of other illnesses and diseases. It is suggested that you take immediate action.
Those who could be at risk for vitamin D deficiency include:
The elderly.
Pregnant women.
People who have dark skin tones (because of their melanin skin may not be able to produce vitamin D from UV rays)
People who have a gastrointestinal disorder.
People with autoimmune conditions.
People not eating food that contains enough vitamin D.
People with less exposure to sunlight and obese people.
People with chronic liver problems.
People who are strictly on a vegan diet.
Carrying out a vitamin D test is easy and takes only a few minutes to perform. Every vitamin D test kit includes materials that you can use to carry out the test:
An instructional material/guide on how to use the test kit.
An activation card.
A Grade collection card.
An Envelop (for returning both cards).
An alcohol swab.
Cotton wool.
Lancets (for pricking the finger).
A Gauze pad.
A Band-aid.
How To Use A Vitamin D Test Kit:
Wash your hand with a bar of soap under warm running water (if your hand is cold, you may find it hard to carry out this test afterward).
Dry your hands with a clean towel.
Use the swab included in the test kit to clean your fingertip and wait until it is dry.
Next, remove the stick from the lancet and place it on whatever finger you choose to use. I recommend you use your middle or ring finger (not the one you write with)
To get the blood into the collection tube after you have pierced your hand, squeeze your fingertip with the other hand
Cover up your fingertip with the plaster included in the test kit
Close up The collection tube and turn it upside down.
Place it in the envelope and label it appropriately
Follow the instructions on your test kit on how to ship it back to get your results ready.
To ensure the accuracy of the results and to prevent the blood from clotting, you must send the blood sample to a certified laboratory affiliated with the manufacturer of the kit you purchase as soon as possible after taking it. The lab will then examine and process the sample. The time it takes to complete the analysis varies depending on the product, but it could take anywhere from 2 to 5 days to receive your results.
Quick Look
EverlyWell – can determine your vitamin D level to show whether it is suboptimal, adequate, or elevated
LetsGetChecked – provides easy-to-understand health reports written by accredited experts.
MyLABBox – results are available in 2-5 days and shipping is free.
Imaware – detects and measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Thorne – provides personalized health insights by measuring your vitamin D level.
Verisana – examine your vitamin D level using a simple blood test.
Cerascreen – The Cerascreen vitamin D test kit is available at $49.00, but the test kits are not available in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Maryland
Overview
EverlyWell test kit allows you to easily register your kit, collect your sample at home, and receive results in days. It is affordable and can be used to test for vitamin D deficiency and acute inflammation. EverlyWell comes with everything you need for sample collection, and you get easy-to-understand results and useful insights in days. They partner with CLIA-certified laboratories so that you can be sure of getting an accurate test result. Unfortunately, the test is unavailable in New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and outside the United States.
Highlights
EverlyWell test kit contains everything you need for sample collection; a lancet, gauze alcohol pad, bandage, collection pad, biohazard bag, and prepaid return shipping label.
This test kit helps you measure the levels of your vitamin D (25-OH D) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and check for acute inflammation that may be causing you discomfort all from the comfort of your home.
It comes with easy-to-read and understandable instructions on how to collect blood samples and help you gain meaningful insights about your health. It also provides you with tips and resources that will help you along the way.
The prepaid shipping label included in the test kit makes it easy to send your sample back to the lab for analysis. Your test result might arrive later than it should due to increased demand. On average, this can take up to 5-8days after the lab receives your sample
EverlyWell works with only CLIA-certified (clinical laboratory improvement Amendment) laboratories that meet high standards, have obtained both state and federal certification, and submit themselves to regular inspections. This is done to maintain a good reputation and meet customers’ need for quality services
Certified professional physicians review the test orders and results. New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and other states outside the United States are the only states where this test kit is not accessible. Test takers must be older than 18 to participate.
Pricing
You can easily purchase an EverlyWell vitamin D test kit from the official website for $36.75.
My Take
EverlyWell vitamin D test kit is an at-home kit that is very easy and convenient to use. It includes clear and easy-to-follow instructions on how to carry out the test. So if you’re looking for an affordable yet efficient at-home vitamin D test kit, then you should consider the EverlyWell test kit.
Overview
LetsGetChecked is an at-home vitamin D test kit that aids in the detection of vitamin D deficiency. Their services are entirely private and secure, allowing you to easily and quickly collect your sample, get accurate results, and get medical support where needed. Only CLIA-certified laboratories analyze your samples. Online results are delivered within 2 to 5 days.
Highlights
LetsGetChecked at-home vitamin D test kits contain materials that aid sample collection. This includes a blood collection tube, 2 band-aids, 4 lancets, 2 alcohol swabs, a gauze pack, a return envelope, and a biohazard bag.
The test kit includes instructions on how to safely collect blood samples.
Sample collection is quick and easy to carry out. This can be done anywhere and at any time of the day
Sample testing is done by accredited laboratories, the same laboratories used by professional physicians and renowned hospitals.
They offer clinical guidance and support. Every LetsGetChecked user can access certified physicians and clinical support to provide the guidance you need to explain the results you don’t understand and provide recommendations to help improve your health.
They also offer free shipping both ways: 100% private and secure. Fast, confidential results are available on your password-protected account within a few days. Your privacy is their number one priority.
The result comes with easy-to-understand health reports written by accredited experts.
Due to state restrictions, this test is not permitted for use in New York.
Pricing
LetsGetChecked vitamin D test kit is available for purchase for $89 on their official website.
My Take
This test kit checks for vitamin D deficiency and comes with clear instructions that are easy to follow. The test kit is affordable and offers online support if you find reading and understanding your test results difficult.
Overview
MyLabBox vitamin D test kit measures your vitamin D levels in no time to ensure you always have enough Vitamin D in your system to maintain proper health and wellness. This test kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions that enable you to carry out the test confidently in just 5 minutes. Included in the overall cost is the two-way postage and lab testing fee. They offer free telemedicine physician consultation if your result comes back positive. MyLabBox is fully certified, so you need not worry about the authenticity of your test result.
Highlights
Contained in the myLabBox is a lancet for finger pricking, a blood drop collection kit, and a postage-paid return box.
It comes with instructional material that makes it easy to use the kit for sample collection and packaging.
Sample collection is fast and easy.
Your lab-certified results are made available online within 1-5 days.
When you purchase the kit, shipping takes at least 2 days and is free.
They offer free physician consultation if you test positive for vitamin D deficiency
Shipping is discreet.
Pricing
myLABBox at-home vitamin D kit is available on their website for just $89.
My Take
Consider myLab Box as a possible option if you want to have your vitamin D level checked without too much hassle. This product is ideal for you if privacy and convenience are important when taking health tests and obtaining accurate results. They also provide free online consulting if your test result returns positive.
Overview
The imaware Vitamin D Test kit is simple to use, offers accurate results, produces an easy-to-understand report when you test your vitamin D levels at home and is reasonably priced. At specific CLIA-certified Laboratories, tests are performed by qualified medical personnel to ensure you get accurate results.
Highlights
There is no need for a laboratory visit. With this at home testing kit, you can easily carry out the sample collection yourself. Collect a blood sample with the test kit’s included lancet, mail it to the lab, and your results will be analyzed.
It utilizes a simple finger prick sample collection method that requires only a few drops of blood from the fingertip.
It provides consistent test accuracy. The samples are tested by renowned medical professionals who have years of experience. Your samples are processed in CLIA and CAP-accredited labs for optimal accuracy and security.
You get access to your results in 7 days. This is made available as an easy-to-read report with the next steps to take highlighted. You can easily monitor your progress and access critical health data from your private online portal anywhere, anytime.
Blood samples should be collected and delivered back the same day by the delivery service.
Pricing
Imaware vitamin D test kit costs $79 on their official website.
My Take
The imaware vitamin D at-home test kit is easy to use and measures the 25-hydroxyvitamin D biomarker, which is the most accurate way to determine vitamin D levels.
Overview
Thorne is a remarkable at home vitamin D collection kit that provides accurate and meaningful insights on your vitamin D levels and helps you with a personalized plan to help you get back on track. Using the Thorne test kit is simple. All you have to do is purchase the kit and activate it, collect samples and send them to the affiliated laboratory to receive results and recommendations.
Highlights
Everything you need to collect your sample comes in the kit, including a blood collection card, safety lancet (2), gauze pads, band-aids, return envelope, return label, and plastic box.
Your personal microbiome results are displayed on an easy-to-read dashboard, along with explanations of what each one means for you.
They use whole-genome sequencing powered by Onegevity Health Intelligence. Your gut microbiome is analyzed to identify potential health risks and specific areas of improvement.
Your results include a personalized health plan which may include diet recommendations, a change of activity, and the possible use of supplements where necessary.
Pricing
Thorne vitamin d test costs $99 and it’s available on their official website.
My Take
Suppose you’re looking for a vitamin D test kit that uses next-level laboratory testing procedures to identify your biomarkers and provide detailed insights into your vitamin D levels. In that case, the Thorne is just for you. It costs considerably more than the others on this list, but the results are worth every penny.
Overview
The VeriSana vitamin D test kit can be used to determine your vitamin D level at home by taking a small blood sample (from your fingertip). The test kit includes materials for collecting these samples. It is simple to use, with clear instructions on how to use the kit, and the results are analyzed by medical professionals in CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) laboratories. Unfortunately, it is unavailable to residents of New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island due to regulatory reasons.
Highlights
Verisana tests for vitamin D deficiency or excess vitamin D levels in the body.
It is simple and convenient. All you have to do is order your test kit, which will be delivered to your home immediately.
The outcome of your tests is sent to you via email.
There are no intrusive inquiries or looks while carrying out your test. You are the one who gathers the samples and the only one who can see the results.
You’re in total control. You decide what should be tested, and you receive the result directly. On request, they will assist you in finding a suitable therapist.
Please be aware that this test is not currently offered in New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island due to regulatory requirements.
Pricing
Verisana is available for purchase at $69 on their official website.
My Take
The Verisana at-home vitamin D test kit is a great alternative now that COVID makes us a little hesitant to visit a hospital or doctor’s office. You can maintain good health and avoid putting yourself in danger. It comes with clear instructions that make it easy to use.
Overview
Cerascreen at home vitamin D deficiency test kit that accurately tracks the amount of 25-OH vitamin D in your system, providing easy-to-understand and actionable results via their app or email in only a few days after sample collection.
Highlights
Cerascreen offers free delivery for its product, and it comes with an envelope that you can use to mail your sample back to the diagnostic laboratory
The US National Library of Medicine states that the 25-OH vitamin D method is the most accurate way to measure vitamin D levels in your body, and this is what the Cerascreen Vitamin D Test does.
Sample collection is carried out discreetly from the comfort of your home via finger-pricking.
The sample is mailed to a CLIA-certified laboratory for in-depth analysis.
Detailed and actionable results will be sent to you via their app or email within a few days, all of which are trusted results that a board-certified physician has reviewed.
They also guarantee a 30-day refund/return policy, and results will be delivered to you within 2–3 business days of the sample being received at the lab. There is an average delivery time of seven days because the current situation affects shipping carriers.
Pricing
You can purchase a Cerascreen at-home vitamin D test kit for just $49.
My Take
At just $49, the Cerascreen vitamin D test kit is the most affordable kit on the list. Therefore, anyone looking to check their body’s vitamin D levels without breaking the bank is recommended to try this test kit.
Are At Home Vitamin D Test Kits Accurate?
If performed correctly, at-home vitamin D test kits are as accurate as professional laboratory kits. Before you go ahead and purchase an at-home vitamin d test kit, there are so many things you have to put into consideration.
Firstly, how long will it take for you to receive your result?
The availability of qualified professionals to help interpret the results in case of result ambiguity.
The cost of the product.
The company’s reputation.
In addition, to avoid invalidating the results, a person taking a test at home must adhere to all the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re wondering if your vitamin D levels can be too high, I have some information for you.
Yes! Both a deficiency and an overdose of vitamin D are harmful. Being fat-soluble, vitamin D is usually stored in the body. However, the body cannot produce or absorb excess vitamin D through normal food sources. On the other hand, excessive use of medications, fortified foods, or supplements can result in sudden intoxication and a slow-acting overdose. Due to the body’s high vitamin D levels, the latter results in increased calcium levels. This is called hypocalcemia and may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or, in more extreme circumstances, kidney damage or cardiac arrhythmia, which could be fatal in the worst-case scenario. Therefore, supplements should only be taken when there is a true deficiency and under strict control.
Summary
Due to the inconvenience of making an appointment, waiting in a doctor’s office, and the associated costs, many people postpone health examinations that could significantly improve their quality of life. Using a vitamin D test kit at home doesn’t take much time and makes it convenient to check your vitamin D levels right from the comfort of your home.
The same lab procedures used for professional medical sample collection in a doctor’s office or clinic is used for samples from at-home tests. The validation procedure is also the same for traditional testing that takes place in a lab and clinic as it is for testing done at home, and once you know the results, you can take any necessary action.