Vitamin K1 Serum

The Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone), Serum test is a blood test for measuring the amount of Vitamin K1 (also called phylloquinone) in the blood stream. Vitamin K1 is the main dietary source of Vitamin K, which is found predominantly in green leafy vegetables, and is essential to blood clotting and bone health. This test can be used to determine if the body is producing enough Vitamin K1 for normal physiological functions. This test is used by doctors to assess an unexplained bleeding tendency or poor healing of the skin that could be caused by Vitamin K1 deficiency. The Vitamin K1 test may also be helpful when used to monitor patients who are taking some medications or who have certain medical conditions that can impact how the Vitamin K1 is absorbed. It is often done as part of the blood clotting program.

Who should get this test done

The Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone), Serum test is used to test for Vitamin K1 in people who might have a Vitamin K1 deficiency or problems from a Vitamin K1 deficiency. This test might be used when you:

●     Have excessive bleeding, bruising or any unusual bleeding that you cannot explain.

●     Often have slow healing of wounds

●     Taking long-term antibiotics - these can affect Vitamin K production

●     Use anti-coagulant drugs, e.g. warfarin

●     If the person has osteoporosis or bone density loss for which there is no explanation.

Why Consider This Test?

The Vitamin K1 test is ordered mainly to identify a deficiency which may be related to severe bleeding disorders or abnormal bone metabolism. It aids doctors determine if the low Vitamin K1 is the cause of the abnormal clotting test results. This test may be useful in patients with liver disease or malabsorption syndromes, in whom absorption or utilisation of Vitamin K1 may be affected. Vitamin K1 is also involved in the management of people taking warfarin, a drug used to prevent blood clots. Importantly, Vitamin K1 levels affect the action of a drug used to prevent blood clots, called warfarin, and this is also important in managing people taking warfarin. Identification of a deficiency early in the process will enable the diet to be corrected or supplemented in time to prevent complications if they will occur.

More Information

Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is the primary dietary form of vitamin K and is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and certain vegetable oils. Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, its absorption depends on normal digestion and fat absorption in the intestine. This test is often considered along with clinical findings and other laboratory investigations to provide a more complete understanding of an individual’s nutritional status and clotting health.

Other Names

• Phylloquinone test

• Vitamin K test

• Serum Vitamin K1 test