Description
Vitamin D deficiency is common in Ireland. Between October and March the sun sits too low for skin to make meaningful amounts, so levels drift down over winter regardless of how much time you spend outdoors.
What this test measures
Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D — the storage form, and the marker used to assess vitamin D status.
Who it is for
- Persistent tiredness, low mood, or aching bones and muscles
- Little sun exposure, or skin routinely covered
- Darker skin tones, which need longer sun exposure to make the same amount
- Anyone already supplementing who wants to know whether the dose is right
Preparing for your test
No fasting needed, and any time of day is fine. If you take a vitamin D supplement, take your sample before that day’s dose.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
