Do not routinely test for vitamin D

What you need to knowRoutinely testing vitamin D levels in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended, based on a lack of evidence for benefitShared decision making and conversations with patients can help explore the risks and benefits of unnecessary testingPhysician education, audit, feedback of physicians’ ordering practices, and system-wide changes in ordering and remuneration are effective strategies to reduce unnecessary vitamin D testingRoutine 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.111213141516Box 1 presents a list of clinical conditions where testing vitamin D may be appropriate, but vitamin D tests are frequently requested without any of…
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