Because Canada is located above the 35° North latitude, the average Canadian's exposure to sunlight is insufficient to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, especially during the winter. Therefore, measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels is not necessary because routine supplementation with Vitamin D is appropriate for the general population. An exception is made for measuring Vitamin D levels in patients with significant renal or metabolic disease.

Conditions: Vitamin D (Vit D Deficiency), Osteoporosis, Osteopenia

Diagnostic Tests: 25-OH-Vitamin D Deficiency Screening

Sources

• Hanley DA, Cranney A, Jones G, et al. Vitamin D in adult health and disease: a review and guideline statement from Osteoporosis Canada. CMAJ. Sep 7 2010;182(12):E610-618. (PubMed)
• Toward Optimized Practice (TOP) Working Group for Vitamin D. Guideline for Vitamin D Testing and Supplementation in Adults. Edmonton (AB): Toward Optimized Practice; 2012 Oct 31 [cited 2014 Sep 25]. (PDF)
• Guidelines and Protocol Advisory Committee. Vitamin D testing protocol. 2013 Jun 1 [cited 2014 Sep 25]. (Gov.bc.ca)
• Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories. Guideline for the Appropriate Ordering of Serum Tests for 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D. 2010 Jun [cited 2014 Sep 25]. (PDF)