Lab test
Vegan Nutritional Maintenance & Vitamin Deficiency Testing
This page explains the vegan nutritional maintenance & vitamin deficiency testing, what it measures, and how to order it. This panel checks levels of nutrients that can run low on a vegan diet. It helps you and your clinician see whether your intake is meeting your body's needs.
Lab requirements in Vegan Nutritional Maintenance & Vitamin Deficiency Testing
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Vegan Nutritional Maintenance & Vitamin Deficiency Testing. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Fasting is required for this test — follow the collection lab's instructions.
- Preparation
- Your collection lab will give you specific instructions, which may include fasting or timing your draw around supplements. Always follow those instructions exactly, because preparation can…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This is a group of blood tests that measure vitamins, minerals, and related markers often affected by a plant-based diet. It is used to spot shortages before they cause symptoms and to track whether changes in diet or supplements are working.
What it measures
- Vitamin B12 — reflects stores of a nutrient found mainly in animal foods
- Folate — shows levels of a B vitamin important for cell division
- Vitamin D — indicates status of a nutrient linked to bone and immune health
- Iron and Ferritin — measures iron circulating in blood and stored in tissues
- Calcium — reflects a mineral involved in bone and muscle function
- Zinc — shows levels of a mineral used in immune and metabolic processes
- Omega-3 Index — estimates fatty acid levels often lower in plant-only diets
- Homocysteine — a marker that can rise when B vitamins are low
What the test involves
A healthcare professional collects a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually in a clinic or lab setting. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this panel when someone follows a vegan diet and wants to check for common nutritional gaps. It can also be used to follow up on symptoms like fatigue or tingling that might relate to low nutrient levels.
Preparation
Your collection lab will give you specific instructions, which may include fasting or timing your draw around supplements. Always follow those instructions exactly, because preparation can affect the results.
How results are reported
Results are reported as numbers for each marker, often with a reference range provided by the testing laboratory. Reference ranges vary from lab to lab, so your clinician will interpret your values in the context of your health and diet.
Before you go
- Whether fasting is required before your blood draw
- If any supplements should be stopped and for how long
- How and when you will receive your results
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for this panel?
Some labs ask for a fasting sample, while others do not. The collection lab will tell you whether to fast and for how long. Follow their instructions to get the most accurate results.
Can I take my supplements before the test?
Supplement use can change certain nutrient levels. Ask the lab or your clinician whether to pause any supplements before the draw. They will give you specific timing guidance.
How long until I get my results?
Most results are ready within a few business days. The exact turnaround depends on the lab and the tests included. Your ordering clinician will receive and explain the report.
What if one of my levels is outside the reference range?
A value outside the range does not automatically mean a problem. Reference ranges differ by lab, and many factors affect results. Your clinician will consider your diet, symptoms, and other tests before deciding what it means.
Related
Related tests
Locations
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