Vitamin D plays a central role in maintaining strong bones, supporting immune function and protecting long-term cardiovascular and brain health. Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is extremely common. Many adults do not get adequate sun exposure, and factors such as genetics, aging, darker skin pigmentation and higher body fat levels can further reduce vitamin D levels. Because symptoms related to low vitamin D can develop gradually, deficiencies often go unnoticed. The Durable VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL test provides a clear measure of vitamin D levels to identify these deficiencies.*

Dr. Passero uses the Durable VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL test to establish a baseline and guide informed decisions about lifestyle and supplementation. By measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D—the primary circulating form of vitamin D—it provides a clear picture of overall vitamin D status and whether levels are adequate to support long-term health.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL test for anyone seeking to:*

• Establish a baseline of vitamin D status
• Evaluate whether low vitamin D may be contributing to chronic health concerns
• Support bone density and long-term skeletal health
• Monitor the impact of supplementation on vitamin D levels

For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this panel every 3-6 months.

What’s Included in the Durable VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL Test
This test measures the primary marker used to assess overall vitamin D status:*

• Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D)—25-hydroxyvitamin D is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and the most accurate marker of overall vitamin D status. It reflects vitamin D produced from sunlight as well as what is obtained through food and supplementation. Adequate levels support many aspects of health including calcium absorption, bone strength, heart health and balanced immune function, while low levels are common and may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, reduced immune resilience and broader long-term health concerns.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

What does the Durable VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D).*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
No, the VITAMIN D ESSENTIAL panel does not require fasting or special prep prior to testing.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with this test. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence this test.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*