A number of Vitamin D assays are available. If in doubt as to which test is required, contact a Chemical Pathologist or Chemical Pathology Registrar.

In Item Requirement MUST be satisfied to be eligible for Medicare rebate - Item 66833 "For the investigation of a patient who:
(a) has signs or symptoms of osteoporosis or osteomalacia; or
(b) has increased alkaline phosphatase and otherwise normal liver function tests; or
(c) has hyperparathyroidism, hypo- or hypercalcaemia, or hypophosphataemia; or
(d) is suffering from malabsorption (for example, because the patient has cystic fibrosis, short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or untreated coeliac disease, or has had bariatric surgery); or
(e) has deeply pigmented skin, or chronic and severe lack of sun exposure for cultural, medical, occupational or residential reasons; or
(f) is taking medication known to decrease 25OH-D levels (for example, anticonvulsants); or
(g) has chronic renal failure or is a renal transplant recipient; or
(h) is less than 16 years of age and has signs or symptoms of rickets; or
(i) is an infant whose mother has established vitamin D deficiency; or
(j) is a exclusively breastfed baby and has at least one other risk factor mentioned in a paragraph in this item; or
(k) has a sibling who is less than 16 years of age and has vitamin D deficiency.

Such information must be included in the clinical notes on the request form.  


For advice on Vitamin D testing, contact a Chemical Pathologist.

APPLICATION:  Investigation of suspected vitamin D deficiency or toxicity.