3 of the best at-home vitamin D tests and testing kits Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe At-home vitamin D tests 4 of the best of 2022Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito and Kristina Iavarone — Updated on July 14, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Vitamin D deficiency is common worldwide. A person can check their vitamin D levels themselves with an at-home vitamin D test, and many of these tests are of the same quality as those that medical professionals use. Share on PinterestThis article discusses how at-home vitamin D tests work, how reliable they are, and which products to consider. It also looks at when a person might consider getting medical advice on vitamin D deficiency. A quick look at the best at-home vitamin D testsBest vitamin D test for international customers LetsGetChecked Vitamin D TestBest vitamin D test for lower budgets Everlywell Vitamin D TestBest vitamin D test for higher budgets myLAB Box At Home Vitamin D TestBest vitamin D test for a generous refund policy Cerascreen Vitamin D Test What is a vitamin D test A vitamin D test determines the vitamin D levels in the bloodstream. This type of test may suit individuals with chronic conditions, such as asthma, psoriasis, or an autoimmune disease. People can receive vitamin D from sun exposure, supplements, and some types of food. When a person is out in sunlight, UVB rays convert to vitamin D. This conversion only happens when a person is outside, as UVB rays cannot travel through glass. Additionally, the weather, time of day, and skin melanin content affect how much vitamin D a person gains through the sun. Vitamin D from supplements is often in the form of lanolin from sheep or the animal-free alternative lichen. While this vitamin is not plentiful in food, mushrooms are one of the best sources of vitamin D through diet. When to take a vitamin D test Doctors may suggest taking a vitamin D test to monitor bone conditions, especially if a person has symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. These may include:bone weaknessbone softnessbone malformationfractures Further, people who have a high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency may also consider buying a vitamin D test. This may include people who have:obesitylimited sunlight exposuredarker skin tonesosteoporosis How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:Price: All products come with a one-time price. Some also offer subscriptions for those who wish to get tested regularly. This may also help a person save money. Review: Companies that stock at-home vitamin D tests work with doctors who review and approve people’s tests.Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers of when they will receive their test results. Some of the best at-home vitamin D tests Below are three at-home vitamin D tests available to purchase online. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best vitamin D test for international customers LetsGetChecked Vitamin D TestPrice$89Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleResults turnaround2–5 daysProships to the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and CanadaConmore costly than some vitamin D tests The LetsGetChecked Vitamin D test involves taking a finger-prick blood sample. Once a person receives their test kit, they will need to activate it by answering a series of health questions on their personal dashboard, which they can access through the LetsGetChecked website or app. The LetsGetChecked website advises people to collect their samples before 10.00 a.m. from Monday to Thursday and return them on the day of collection to avoid samples clotting during transit to the lab. The company states that it offers 24-7 medical support for customers. A person may get a call from the LetsGetChecked nursing team for positive or out-of-range results. A person can access their results through their secure LetsGetChecked online account. In addition to that, the vitamin D test comes with free shipping. LetsGetChecked does not work with any health insurance companies. However, it claims that its test has a lower price than what a person may get from a medical professional. A person can pay for the test using their flexible spending account (FSA) or health saving account (HSA) card. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.SHOP NOW Best vitamin D test for lower budgets Everlywell Vitamin D TestPrice$49Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleResults turnaround5–7 business daysProlower cost than other vitamin D testsContakes longer to receive results than some other vitamin D tests Everlywell is an online company that offers a variety of at-home test kits and ships within the United States. An Everlywell vitamin D test involves a person taking a finger-prick blood sample. Results will show whether a person’s vitamin D levels are elevated, adequate, or suboptimal. The company claims that most test results are available within 5–7 business days of the lab processing the sample. A person needs to create an Everlywell account to register their test kits and check their results. A doctor within the user’s state reviews and approves the person’s test and provides a personalized report with resources and health insights. A person can also attend a live group webinar to get more information about their results and ask questions. Further, a person can also enroll in the membership plan and get the test for $24.99 every month. They can cancel this plan without any additional fees. Everlywell also allows buyers to pay through their FSA and HSA. It states that at-home tests may not require insurance coverage, but it is best to check with the insurance provider directly and ask whether some coverage is available. Learn more about Everlywell here.SHOP NOW Best vitamin D test for higher budgets myLAB Box At Home Vitamin D TestPrice$89Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleResults turnaround2–5 daysProresults may arrive quicker than other vitamin D testsConmore costly than some vitamin D tests MyLab Box offers its at-home vitamin D test across all U.S. states except New York. A person provides a finger-prick blood sample to take the test, and the company claims that a person can get their results within 2–5 days. In some cases, a person may receive a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results. If a person’s test indicates they may have a vitamin D deficiency, myLAB Box suggests they share their test results with a doctor to get further advice. The company offers a subscription service for $80.10 for those who wish to take the test every six months. There is also free 2-day shipping when ordering this test kit. Individuals can pay with their FSA or HSA cards, but getting insurance coverage for the at-home tests may not be possible. Learn more about myLAB Box here.SHOP NOW Best vitamin D test for a generous refund policy Cerascreen Vitamin D TestPricefrom $49Collection methodfinger-prick blood sampleResults turnaroundwithin daysProoffers a 30-day refund guaranteeConnot available for people in the states of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Maryland Cerascreen’s at-home vitamin D test is available for those who reside in all states apart from New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Maryland. This test requires a finger-prick blood sample. The company states that people will receive the results of their test within days, alongside recommendations of how much vitamin D supplementation a person may require. Cerascreen says that a professional, CLIA-certified lab analyzes each test, and a board certified doctor reviews the results. People can also purchase two packs for $83. Additionally, the company offers free shipping with an average delivery time of 2–5 days. Cerascreen offers a 30-day refund policy. It does not state whether it accepts FSA or HSA payments.SHOP NOW Comparison The table below provides a comparison of the at-home vitamin D tests detailed in the section above: LetsGetCheckedEverlywellmyLAB BoxCerascreenPrice$89$49$89$49Membership planunavailableavailable monthly for $24.99; cancellation is available at no extra costavailable every six months for $80.10no information availableTime to receive resultsin 5 daystypically within 5–7 business days of the lab processing the samplewithin 2–5 dayswithin daysResults consultationavailablea live group webinar is available, as well as a personalized reportfree consultation is available if the result is positiveno information availableFSA and HSA paymentsyesyesyesno information availableInsurance coveragenot possiblebest to check with insurance providernot possiblenot possibleAvailability to all U.S. statesavailable to all states except New Yorkyesavailable to all states except New Yorkavailable to all states except New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Maryland How to choose Some things a person may consider when looking for an at-home test, include:Cost: Some tests are more cost-effective than others so a person may consider their available budget when choosing a test.Certifications and accreditations: Individuals should check for CAP, CLIA, and ISO certifications.Reviews and reputation: Checking independent reviews from sites such as Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help a person make an informed decision about a company’s reputation. What is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test Vitamin D tests involve taking a blood sample. There are two forms of vitamin D in the blood: 25-hydroxy vitamin D, or calcidiol, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, or calcitriol. Tests will measure the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in the blood. This is because 25-hydroxy vitamin D is a better indicator of a person’s vitamin D levels and stays in the bloodstream for longer, making it easier to detect. If a person has a vitamin D test at a doctor’s office, the doctor will take a small blood sample from their arm using a needle. If a person takes a test at home, they will take a blood sample using a finger prick test. Are at-home tests reliable Samples from at-home tests go through the same lab processing as samples taken by medical professionals in a doctor’s office or clinic. The validation process for at-home testing is the same as for traditional testing that takes place in a lab and clinic. However, a person taking a test at home must follow all of the test manufacturer’s instructions to avoid invalidating the results. A person can check whether the lab that processes their chosen test has accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). A person can also check if the lab’s manufacturing facilities have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin the body needs to carry out vital functions, such as maintaining bones and teeth and helping the immune system fight bacteria and viruses. According to a 2021 overview of vitamin D deficiency, around 1 billion people worldwide have a vitamin D deficiency, and 50% of the global population has vitamin D insufficiency. Although the article states that most people with a vitamin D deficiency will not experience symptoms, some people do. When to speak with a doctor Some people may be at a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. These include people with:inadequate sun exposureinsufficient intake of foods containing vitamin Dmalabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease Symptoms that may indicate a vitamin D deficiency include:frequent infectionsmuscle weakness, aches, or crampsbone and joint painfracturesfatiguemood changesdepression People at risk of a vitamin D deficiency or with symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency may wish to consult a doctor for possible monitoring and further tests. Frequently asked questions Below are some frequently asked questions about home vitamin D test kits: How much does a vitamin D test cost Vitamin D tests vary in price depending on the brand a person chooses and the features a product comes with. A person can also save money and subscribe to a membership plan if they need to get tested every month or every 6 months. Also, most companies do not accept insurance coverage. However, buyers may be able to provide an insurance claim or check whether their insurance provider may help reimburse some of the costs involved in home testing. Do you need to fast for a vitamin D test A person does not need to fast before taking a blood test to check their vitamin D levels. However, if a person needs to take other tests that require fasting, they may choose to fast so they only have to take one blood sample. What if I get unclear results Vitamin D test results will be straightforward and indicate a person’s vitamin D level based on a given range. However, a person can consider discussing their results with a doctor if they have questions about their test results. How can I increase my vitamin D levels According to John Hopkins Medicine, the body is able to make vitamin D naturally when a person exposes it to the sun. However, there may be limitations if a person is older, lives further north, or has a darker skin tone. That said, a person can add certain foods containing vitamin D to their diet. These include:cod liver oilsalmoncanned tuna, sardines, or mackerelfresh or sundried shitake mushroomsegg yolk The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends that people consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplements every day during autumn and winter, as it can be difficult to get enough of the vitamin from food. This includes those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. What is a regular vitamin D range Doctors measure vitamin D deficiencies in nanomoles per liter (nmol/l) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). The current staging is as follows:Deficiency: Below 30 nmol/l or 12 ng/ml.Inadequate levels: 30–50 nmol/l or 12–20 ng/ml.Adequate levels: 50–125 nmol/l or 20–50 ng/ml.High levels: Above 125 nmol/l or 50 ng/ml. Summary Vitamin D is essential for vital bodily functions, and low vitamin D levels can have widespread effects on the body. Several at-home vitamin D tests are available online that provide people with a convenient and comfortable way to check their vitamin D levels. People who experience symptoms of vitamin D deficiency or receive test results indicating they may be deficient in vitamin D can consider talking with a doctor for treatment advice. Last medically reviewed on March 20, 2022SupplementsNutrition / Diet 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Sizar, O., et al. (2021). Vitamin D deficiency.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266Vitamin D. (2020). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-dVitamin D and calcium? (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/vitamin-d-and-calciumVitamin D fact sheet for health professionals. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/Vitamin D test. (2020). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-d-testFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Rachel Ann Tee-Melegrito and Kristina Iavarone — Updated on July 14, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat are the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD A vitamin D deficiency is common, and it can lead to further health issues. Still, many people with the deficiency have no symptoms. Learn more here.READ MORE4 of the best at-home vitamin deficiency testsMedically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, RN Various at-home tests can check levels of vitamins and minerals in a blood or saliva sample. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat are the health benefits of vitamin D?Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD The body produces vitamin D in response to sun exposure. Vitamin D is important to bone development and immune support.READ MOREHow to test for diabetes at homeMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Diabetes is a condition that can dominate what a person eats and how they live their life. However, measures are now available allowing people can…READ MOREAre you getting enough vitamin D?Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, but it can be difficult for people to know if they are getting the right amount. Some people will be able to get…READ MORE