Vitamin K (Vit K) Test
About Vitamin K (Vit K) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Vitamin K1 test, Phylloquinone test, Vit K test, VK1 test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum or plasma) |
| Fasting Required | Yes – 12-hour overnight fast required |
| Report Time | 4 to 10 business days |
| Recommended For | All age groups; particularly those with bleeding disorders, malabsorption conditions, or on anticoagulant therapy |
| Price | Starting at ₹14,500 |
What Is a Vitamin K (Vit K) Test?
The Vitamin K test measures the level of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) circulating in your blood. It is the most widely used way to assess how much vitamin K your body has available.
Doctors order this test, also known as the Vitamin K1 test, Phylloquinone test and VK1 test, when they suspect a deficiency, usually in patients with unexplained bleeding or certain digestive conditions. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm is all that is needed.
What Does a Vitamin K (Vit K) Test Measure?
The Vitamin K blood test primarily measures phylloquinone, the main form of vitamin K found in food. The table below shows what each aspect of the test tells us.
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Phylloquinone (K1) level | How much vitamin K1 is present in your blood; the standard marker of vitamin K status |
| Clotting factor support | Whether your body has enough vitamin K to activate key proteins that help blood clot (including factors II, VII, IX, and X) |
| Bone and vascular health marker | Whether vitamin K levels are sufficient to support bone metabolism and limit calcium build-up in blood vessels |
Why Is a Vitamin K (Vit K) Test Done?
The Vitamin K1 test is ordered when a doctor wants to investigate unexplained bleeding, assess nutritional status, or evaluate how well the body is absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Easy or unexplained bruising
- Uncontrolled or prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Mucosal bleeding (bleeding from the gums or inner linings of the body)
- Excessive bleeding from wounds
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Prolonged blood clotting time
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A Phylloquinone test can help identify several underlying conditions:
- Vitamin K deficiency, which may lead to poor blood clotting, weak bone development, osteoporosis, and raised cardiovascular risk
- Obstructive jaundice and obstructive liver disease (conditions where bile duct blockage affects vitamin K absorption)
- Malabsorption disorders such as coeliac disease, pancreatitis, and chronic diarrhoea
- Cystic fibrosis, an inherited condition that affects the lungs and digestive system
- Haemorrhagic disorders in newborns (serious bleeding problems seen in babies)
- Monitoring of patients taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medications
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for your Vitamin K test helps ensure your results are accurate and reliable.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, a 12-hour overnight fast is required before this test. You should also avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your blood draw. Plain water is permitted during the fasting period. If you are booked for additional tests alongside this one, check whether those also require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Avoid vitamin K-rich foods (such as spinach, kale, and broccoli) and vitamin K supplements for at least 24 hours before the test, as these can raise your blood levels and affect results
- Tell your doctor or the lab about all medications you take, especially warfarin, antibiotics, cholestyramine, or rifampicin, as these can interfere with vitamin K metabolism
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
- Stay well hydrated with plain water before your appointment
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- Arrive at your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre or welcome a certified phlebotomist to your home (if you have opted for home collection)
- The phlebotomist cleans a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe
- A tourniquet (elastic band) is tied around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate
- A fine needle is used to draw a small amount of blood from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site
- The sample is carefully wrapped to protect it from light (light exposure can degrade the specimen) and sent to the laboratory for analysis using a highly sensitive method called liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your Vitamin K blood test results:
- Eating vitamin K-rich meals or taking supplements before the test
- Testing on a non-fasting specimen, which can falsely elevate readings
- High fat levels in the blood (lipaemia), which may cause the sample to be rejected
- Medications including warfarin, certain antibiotics (such as cephalosporins), cholestyramine, rifampicin, and orlistat
- Liver disease or fat-malabsorption conditions
Understanding Your Vitamin K (Vit K) Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your medical history by a qualified doctor. The table below shows general reference ranges used in clinical practice.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Low (Possible Deficiency) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone) | 0.2 to 3.2 ng/mL (lab ranges typically 0.10 to 2.20 ng/mL) | Below 0.15 ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines and may vary between laboratories. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain medications and health conditions can affect how your results are interpreted:
- Warfarin and cephalosporin antibiotics interfere with vitamin K metabolism, so results may not reflect true dietary status.
- Cholestyramine reduces fat-soluble vitamin uptake; rifampicin speeds up vitamin K breakdown; orlistat limits dietary fat absorption, which indirectly reduces vitamin K levels.
- Liver disease and fat-malabsorption conditions affect how vitamin K is stored and processed, making clinical context essential when interpreting results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general dietary and lifestyle habits support good vitamin K status:
- Include green leafy vegetables in your diet regularly, such as kale, spinach, parsley, romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage.
- Consume vitamin K-containing foods alongside a small amount of healthy fat, as vitamin K is fat-soluble and absorbs better in the presence of dietary fat.
- If you are on anticoagulant therapy, keep your vitamin K intake consistent day to day and speak to your doctor before making significant dietary changes.
Lupin Diagnostics Vitamin K (Vit K) Test Price and Home Collection
The Vitamin K test price starts at approximately ₹14,500, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹14,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹14,500 |
| Chennai | ₹14,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹14,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹14,500 |
| Pune | ₹14,500 |
| Indore | ₹14,500 |
| Bhopal | ₹14,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
If you’re searching for a 'Vitamin K test near me', you can book it through Lupin Diagnostics by following these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the Vit K test across cities, so you can have your sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Vitamin K test is used to assess how much vitamin K1 is present in your blood. Doctors use it to investigate unexplained bleeding, evaluate nutritional status, and check whether conditions affecting fat absorption are impacting your vitamin K levels.
Yes, a 12-hour overnight fast is required. Eating vitamin K-rich foods or taking supplements before the test can raise your blood levels and lead to inaccurate results. Plain water is fine to drink during the fasting period.
Common signs that a doctor may want to check your vitamin K levels include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual periods. These symptoms can point to low vitamin K or an underlying clotting issue.
People at higher risk of low vitamin K levels include those with malabsorption conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, or cystic fibrosis, as well as those with liver disease, biliary obstruction, or a history of prolonged antibiotic or anticoagulant use. A doctor can advise whether this test is appropriate for you.
Yes. Warfarin, certain antibiotics (such as cephalosporins), cholestyramine, rifampicin, and orlistat can all influence vitamin K metabolism or absorption. Always inform the lab and your doctor about any medications you are taking before the test.
The Vitamin K test typically takes 4 to 10 business days to return results. This is longer than most routine blood tests because it requires specialist laboratory equipment, and the sample may need to be sent to a reference laboratory for analysis.
No, they are different tests. The Vitamin K blood test directly measures the level of vitamin K1 in your blood. A clotting test (such as prothrombin time or PT) measures how quickly your blood clots. A doctor may order both together to get a clearer picture of your clotting health.
Vitamin K (Vit K) Test
