Vitamin D Test Kit

The Vitamin D Test Kit works by measuring the amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) in your blood to determine your vitamin D levels. As a result, the Kit can tell you whether you have healthy vitamin D levels, or if you have vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.

A summary of how to use the Vitamin D Test Kit:

1. Wash your hands in warm water for 4 minutes and then dry them.
2. Use the lancet provided to prick your finger and collect a blood sample.
3. Post your sample to our accredited partner laboratory using the pre-paid envelope included with your Kit.

Full instructions are provided with your Vitamin D Test Kit, which you should read thoroughly before use to ensure the best results.

The Vitamin D Test Kit comes with:

• 1x Sample collection booklet.
• 1x Test request form.
• 1x Blood collection vial.
• 1x Blood collection vial transport clamshell.
• 2x Blood vial labels.
• 3x Lancets.
• 2x Saline wipes.
• 2x Plasters.
• 1x Prepaid postage return-to-lab envelope.

The Vitamin D Test Kit also includes a free review from a clinician who will personally check your results to make sure they’re normal. They will give feedback based on the outcome of your test and, if necessary, organise a free phone consultation with you to discuss your results in further detail.

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining healthy bones and muscle function. Therefore, it’s a good idea for every adult to have a vitamin D test so that they: (1) are aware of their vitamin D levels, and (2) know whether they need to adopt specific measures to maintain healthy vitamin D levels (e.g. take a vitamin D supplement).

According to Public Health England (PHE), certain people are at greater risk of having low vitamin D. These people include:

• Those who spend a lot of time indoors.
• Older people.
• Those with darker skin.
• Those who cover most of their skin when outside.

PHE recommends that these people take a vitamin D supplement all year round to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.

If you’re unsure about whether you need a vitamin D supplement or not, The Vitamin D Test Kit can measure your vitamin D levels to determine if you might benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement, too.

You should receive your results three to five working days after you post your samples. Your results will arrive via email, so keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss them.

You will also have access to your results on your Numan Account. These can be viewed whenever you wish to help you track your progress over time.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Muscle weakness and discomfort.
• Bone pain.
• Mood alterations, including depression.

People with low vitamin D may not experience any noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s important to have your vitamin D levels measured with a blood test. If your vitamin D levels drop too low you might develop vitamin D deficiency (which poses a greater health risk), so it’s essential to check your vitamin D levels to see if you need to take a vitamin D supplement.

Once you get your vitamin D test results, a clinician will give you feedback related to them. Our clinicians personally review each test, so please allow some time for their feedback to get back to you. When it does, you’ll be able to use their guidance to make lifestyle choices that help to optimise your vitamin D levels.

Each blood sample is carefully processed by County Pathology: a fully accredited, UKAS approved UK laboratory.

If you have low vitamin D levels, you are likely to benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement. A vitamin D supplement (such as Vitamin D Boost) can help you to maintain healthy vitamin D levels throughout the year.

Public Health England (PHE) recommends that everyone considers taking a daily 400IU (10mg) vitamin D supplement in Autumn and Winter, as there tends to be less sunlight during these months. According to PHE, products providing up to 25 micrograms (1000 IU) are suitable for everyone.

Further, PHE also advises those at a higher risk of having low vitamin D levels to consider taking a vitamin D supplement the whole year round. These people include:

• Those who spend a lot of time indoors.
• Older people.
• Those with darker skin.
• Those who cover most of their skin when outside.

The most effective way to know if you have low vitamin D levels is to have a blood test. The Vitamin D Test Kit shows you if you have healthy vitamin D levels, and can also tell you if you should take a vitamin D supplement to support your health.

Every Test Kit includes a free review from a clinician. If you have low vitamin D levels, the clinician will be able to offer feedback and advice to help you optimise your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D Test Kit safety information

This safety information is intended to help you use your Vitamin D Test Kit safely and effectively. Please read it carefully, along with the patient information booklet included with your Vitamin D Test Kit.

Before you use the Vitamin D Test Kit

The test takes around 20 minutes to complete, so please set aside some time to do it comfortably - especially if it’s your first time taking a home blood test. It’s also important to stay well hydrated before taking the test to avoid any fainting or dizziness.

How to use the Vitamin D Test Kit

1. First, double-check that you have the items listed on the back of your Vitamin D Test Kit instruction sheet (provided with your Vitamin D Test Kit).
2. Complete the form and vial label(s) provided. These must be returned with the blood sample in the return pre-paid postage envelope.
3. Remove the blood collection vial from the clamshell.
4. Remove the coloured lid. It’s important to keep the lid and vial together, as the lid will need to be put back onto the top of the vial.
5. Position the vial on the clamshell (a diagram is provided in the Vitamin D Test Kit instruction sheet).
6. Wash your hands in warm water for four minutes (40℃ is ideal) and dry them afterwards. You can also shake your hands for a few seconds at waist height to help encourage the required blood flow.
7. Wipe your chosen finger (one of the middle three is best) with the alcohol wipe provided and allow it to air dry.
8. Twist off the blue tab from the end of the lancet. Place the exposed hole of the lancet on your fingertip at a slight angle. Press the lancet against your finger and the blade will prick your finger and return inside the device. Gently apply pressure to the area around the cut and use the alcohol wipe to wipe away the first drop of blood.
9. Next, fill the vial provided in the kit:
   1. The vial needs to be filled as full as possible, ideally above the top of the label.
   2. The vial must be inverted several times as soon as possible after filling to ensure the additive in the tube mixes with the blood.
10. If you can’t get enough blood from your finger to properly fill the vial, then repeat the procedure with a different finger.
11. After you’ve filled the vial, gently press the alcohol wipe onto the wound to stem the flow of blood. You can also use the plaster provided.
12. Put the lid back on the vial and apply the completed label(s), making sure all the details are correct.

Returning your sample

1. Pack the vial into the clamshell as originally provided and firmly close the lid.
2. Pack the clamshell with the completed request form into the pre-paid envelope and seal it. Post the same day or following morning, ideally between Monday and Thursday.

You should receive your results via email within three to five working days after posting your blood sample.

In case of an urgent medical problem, please contact NHS 111 via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.