Difference Between Vitamin D Total And 25 Oh
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient required for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and for promoting overall health. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained through exposure to sunlight, as well as from certain foods and supplements. However, there are two types of vitamin D tests that can be conducted to determine the levels of vitamin D in the body: Vitamin D Total and 25 Oh. Although both tests measure the amount of vitamin D in the blood, they differ in their approach, purpose, and accuracy.
Vitamin D Total Test
The Vitamin D Total Test, also known as the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D test, measures the total amount of vitamin D in the blood, including both the active and inactive forms of the vitamin. This test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor health conditions related to calcium metabolism, such as bone disorders, kidney disease, and parathyroid gland dysfunction.
The Vitamin D Total test is conducted by drawing a blood sample from the patient's vein, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. The results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and are considered to be normal if they range between 30 to 100 ng/mL.
25 Oh Test
The 25-hydroxyvitamin D test, also known as the 25 Oh test or the 25(OH)D test, measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood. This form of vitamin D is considered to be the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status, as it reflects the total amount of vitamin D that the body has stored, regardless of its form.
The 25 Oh test is also conducted by drawing a blood sample from the patient's vein, and the results are reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). However, the reference ranges for this test may vary depending on the laboratory, with some laboratories considering a level of 20 ng/mL or higher to be sufficient, while others may consider a level of 30 ng/mL or higher to be optimal.
Differences between the Two Tests
While both Vitamin D Total and 25 Oh tests measure the amount of vitamin D in the blood, they differ in their approach, purpose, and accuracy. The Vitamin D Total test measures the total amount of vitamin D in the blood, including both the active and inactive forms, and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor health conditions related to calcium metabolism. On the other hand, the 25 Oh test measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, which is considered to be the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status, regardless of its form.
Moreover, the reference ranges for the two tests may vary depending on the laboratory, with some laboratories considering a level of 30 ng/mL or higher to be sufficient for Vitamin D Total, while others may consider a level of 20 ng/mL or higher to be sufficient for 25 Oh. Hence, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for interpreting the test results and determining the optimal level of vitamin D for an individual's health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vitamin D Total and 25 Oh tests differ in their approach, purpose, and accuracy, despite both measuring the amount of vitamin D in the blood. The Vitamin D Total test measures the total amount of vitamin D in the blood and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor health conditions related to calcium metabolism, while the 25 Oh test measures the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood and is considered to be the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status. Hence, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for conducting the appropriate test and interpreting the results for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and overall health.