How to perform test
Vitamin D | Unimed
Video tutorial for Vitamin D by Unimed
*text instructions below
Supplies overview
- 1x Vitamin D Test Cassette
- 1x Fixed-Volume Capillary Pipette
- 1x Sterile Lancet
- 1x Alcohol Swab
- 1x Sterile Swab
- 1x Buffer Solution Tube
- 1x Igloo Reader
- 1x Unimed Adapter
Text instructions
STEP 1: Prepare and Disinfect the Sampling Area
Lay out all kit components. Disinfect the fingertip with the alcohol swab and let it dry.
Warm hands make blood sampling easier! Allow the test subject to warm their hands beforehand with a warm cloth, warm water, or by gently rubbing their hands together.
STEP 2: Perform a Fingerstick
Use the sterile lancet to puncture the side of the fingertip. Gently massage the finger to form a blood drop.
STEP 3: Remove the first droplet of blood
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a sterile swab before collecting the sample. This ensures accuracy and prevents contamination.
STEP 4: Collect exactly 10 µL of blood
The blood will fill the pipette automatically by capillary action.
Important: Ensure the blood sample is collected properly.
Important
Make sure you have collected exactly 10 µL of blood.
STEP 5: Insert blood collector into tube
Insert blood collector into buffer solution tube and close firmly.
STEP 6: Mix the blood with the buffer
Shake 5–10 times to ensure proper mixing.
Important
Make sure the blood and buffer are well mixed.
STEP 7: Prepare the test cassette
Add 3 drops of the mixed sample into the test cassette
STEP 8: Start using the device
Turn on the device using the power button located underneath.
Once the device is on, press “New Measurement” and enter the required data to begin the test.
STEP 9: Insert the test cassette into the reader
Insert the test cassette into the reader — the measurement will start automatically.
STEP 10: Wait 15 minutes
STEP 11: Result is ready
When the timer ends, your result will be displayed on the screen.
Scan QR for quick results on your phone in PDF form
Or print the result with a mini printer
Results evaluation
Rapid vitamin D tests may differ slightly from laboratory results - this is normal and does not indicate a faulty device. Use the following ranges to explain results clearly to customers and guide appropriate next steps.
Result: Error / No control line
What it means: Test did not run correctly.
How to explain/action: Repeat the test. If the issue persists, check sample and instructions.
Result: < 12 ng/mL
What it means: Critically low vitamin D levels.
How to explain/action: Advise urgent medical consultation for supplementation and treatment.
Result: 12 – 20 ng/mL
How to explain/action: Recommend seeing a healthcare professional for supplementation advice and lifestyle changes (e.g., more sun exposure).
Result: 20 – 30 ng/mL
What it means: Below optimal vitamin D levels; customer may benefit from supplementation.
How to explain/action: Suggest discussion with a healthcare provider, encourage safe sun exposure and nutrition adjustment.
Result: 30 – 50 ng/mL
What it means: Adequate vitamin D levels for most individuals.
How to explain/action: Reassure customer; maintain healthy habits, routine monitoring.
Result: > 50 ng/mL
What it means: Higher than normal levels; risk of toxicity if extremely elevated.
How to explain/action: Recommend consulting healthcare provider to review supplementation and diet.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Variation between tests: Vitamin D results can vary across different testing methods and labs. Differences in assay types (immunoassay vs. LC‑MS/MS) may cause discrepancies - this doesn’t necessarily mean vitamin D status has changed.
- Daily and day‑to‑day fluctuations: Vitamin D levels can vary throughout the day and on different days, with levels often higher midday and lower in mornings or evenings.
- Seasonal and environmental factors: Sunlight exposure, season, diet, and supplementation influence vitamin D levels.
- Biological variability: Individual factors like body weight, genetics, and binding proteins can affect results.
- Testing conditions: Proper sample handling and storage are critical to accuracy.
Read more about Vitamin D and about results evaluation.
Disposal instructions
- Dispose of used cassettes, pipettes, and lancets as biohazardous waste.
- Do not reuse any test components.
- Reader and adapter are reusable; clean according to the official maintenance guide.
Literature
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D: Health Professional Fact Sheet.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D: Consumer Fact Sheet.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP).
- French CB et al. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D variability within-person due to diurnal rhythm and illness: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2019 Feb 4;13(1):29. doi: 10.1186/s13256-018-1948-9.
Disclaimer
This information is educational and does not qualify as medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.