Do not routinely test for vitamin D

Routine vitamin D testing has been increasing owing to patient demand, attention in mass media, correlational studies connecting vitamin D to various health concerns, and physicians promoting its use.12345678910 Recently, possible associations between vitamin D deficiency and severe covid-19 received scientific attention, fuelling renewed media attention and a rapid guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on appropriate indications for supplementation.111213141516

Box 1 presents a list of clinical conditions where testing vitamin D may be appropriate, but vitamin D tests are frequently requested without any of these clinical indications. Studies from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia suggest that 25% to 75% of vitamin D testing may be unnecessary.92223242526 This can be potentially harmful to patients by leading to additional testing, and wastes valuable healthcare resources.27 In this article we offer an overview of evidence and guideline recommendations on routine vitamin D testing, (also known as vitamin D screening) and offer practical suggestions for reducing unnecessary testing.