Increased rates of 25-hydroxy vitamin D testing: Dissecting a modern epidemic

Laboratories have noted marked increases in the analysis of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in recent decades. Our objectives were to describe the annual number of 25(OH)D tests, examine the characteristics of those tested and those ordering them, and determine the proportion of potentially unnecessa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical biochemistry 2018-09, Vol.59, p.56-61
Main Authors: Rodd, Celia, Sokoro, AbdulRazaq, Lix, Lisa M., Thorlacius, Laurel, Moffatt, Michael, Slater, Jim, Bohm, Eric
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
25-hydroxy vitamin D
Client characteristics
Family physician
Specialist
Unnecessary testing
Vitamin D
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Summary:Laboratories have noted marked increases in the analysis of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) in recent decades. Our objectives were to describe the annual number of 25(OH)D tests, examine the characteristics of those tested and those ordering them, and determine the proportion of potentially unnecessary tests in Manitoba. Manitoba residents who were tested between 2006/7 and 2012/13 had their data anonymously linked to Manitoba Centre for Health Policy comprehensive administrative datasets. Patient and physician characteristics, location of residence, and 25(OH)D concentrations were determined. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models were utilized. There was a quadrupling in testing from 2006 to 2013, with >20,000 tests performed in 2012/13. The median annual number of tests was one per patient; the maximum was >10 tests per year. Adult females had twice the number of tests compared to males (p 
ISSN:0009-9120
1873-2933
DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.07.005