Vitamin D screening and testing

Vitamin D is a nutrient critical to human health. Vitamin D levels are influenced by diet, exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) and some disease processes. Testing for vitamin D requires a blood draw and laboratory assessment of levels.

Status: Decision completed

Why is vitamin D screening and testing being reviewed?

There are questions about the accuracy and usefulness of tests for Vitamin D levels, especially in healthy subjects. Assessing vitamin D levels may be useful to influence diagnostic or treatment decisions in some circumstances, though the usefulness of testing is uncertain in others.

Primary criteria ranking

  • Safety = Low
  • Efficacy = High
  • Cost = High

Documentation

Assessment timeline

  • Draft key questions published: April 27, 2012 
  • Public comment period: April 27 to May 14, 2012
  • Draft report published: August 31, 2012
  • Public comment period: August 31 to October 1, 2012
  • Final report published: October 8, 2012 
  • HTCC public meeting: November 16, 2012