Clinical evidence shows that screening for vitamin D deficiency in healthy individuals is generally not necessary. Vitamin D deficiency is common in many populations, particularly in patients at higher latitudes, during winter months and in those with limited sun exposure. Therefore, Canadians have inadequate exposure to sunlight, which puts them at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Over the counter vitamin D supplements and increased summer sun exposure are sufficient interventions for most otherwise healthy patients. Laboratory testing is appropriate in higher risk patients when results will be used to institute more aggressive therapy (e.g., osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, malabsorption, some infections, obese individuals).
Sources:
Hanley DA, et al. Vitamin D in adult health and disease: a review and guideline statement from Osteoporosis Canada. CMAJ. 2010 Sep 7;182(12):E610-8. PMID: 20624868.
Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories. Guideline for the Appropriate Ordering of Serum Tests for 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D (CLP026) [Internet]. 2010 Jun [cited 2017 Aug 9].
Souberbielle JC, et al. When should we measure vitamin D concentration in clinical practice? Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl. 2012;243:129-35. PMID: 22536774.
Toward Optimized Practice. Guideline for Vitamin D Testing and Supplementation in Adults [Internet]. 2012 Oct [cited 2017 Aug 8].
Patient Materials:
Patient Pamphlet: Vitamin D Tests: When you need them and when you don’t