Vitamin D Self-Test - Pack of 1

The Vitamin D Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the semi-quantitative detection of 25- hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) in human fingerstick whole blood. This assay provides a preliminary diagnostic test result and can be used to screen for Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is naturally produced in the human skin through the exposure to ultraviolet light and Vitamin D2 is mainly obtained from foods. Vitamin D is transported to the liver where it is metabolised to 25-hydroxy Vitamin D. In medicine, a 25- hydroxy Vitamin D blood test is used to determine Vitamin D concentration in the body. The blood concentration of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (including D2 and D3) is considered the best indicator of Vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency is now recognised as a global epidemic. Virtually every cell in our body has receptors for Vitamin D, meaning that they all require a “sufficient” level of Vitamin D for adequate functioning. The health risks associated with Vitamin D deficiency are far more severe than previously thought. Vitamin deficiency has been linked to various serious diseases: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, diabetes, depression, strokes, autoimmune diseases, flu, different cancers, infectious diseases, alzheimer, obesity and higher mortality. The Vitamin D test is an immunoassay based on the principle of competitive binding. During testing, the specimen migrates upward on the membrane chromatographically by capillary action. The membrane is pre- coated with 25 (OH) D antigens on the test line region of the strip. During testing, 25 (OH) D present in the specimen will compete with 25 (OH) D on the test line for a limited amount of anti-25 OH Vitamin D antibodies in the conjugate. The higher concentration of 25 (OH) D in the specimen, the lighter would be the T line. The result will be read according to the colour card provided with the kit. To serve as a procedural control, a coloured line will always appear in the control line region indicating that proper volume of specimen has been added and membrane wicking has occurred.