Question 1

What is Rickets?

Accepted Answer

Rickets is a childhood bone disorder that causes soft, weak bones that may become deformed. It is caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, which are essential for proper bone mineralization. The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosing rickets because it measures blood calcium levels and identifies calcium deficiency as the underlying cause.

Question 2

What causes rickets?

Accepted Answer

Rickets is caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause because vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from food. Without adequate vitamin D, children cannot maintain proper calcium and phosphate levels needed for bone mineralization. This can occur from inadequate sun exposure, dietary insufficiency, malabsorption disorders, or kidney and liver diseases that affect vitamin D metabolism.

Question 3

What is the best test for rickets?

Accepted Answer

The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for rickets because it measures calcium levels in the blood and identifies calcium deficiency as a primary underlying cause of bone deformities. The Phosphate (as Phosphorus) test is also essential because it detects low phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia) that contribute to impaired bone mineralization. Together, these tests reveal the specific mineral deficiencies causing rickets and help healthcare providers determine whether vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate supplementation is needed for treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for rickets?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your child shows signs of bone deformities such as bowed legs, thickened wrists and ankles, or delayed growth milestones. Testing is also important if your child experiences bone pain, muscle weakness, dental problems like delayed tooth formation, or frequent fractures. Children with limited sun exposure, dark skin living in northern climates, strict vegan diets without supplementation, or malabsorption conditions should be tested even without obvious symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of rickets?

Accepted Answer

Rickets symptoms include delayed growth, bone pain and tenderness, skeletal deformities like bowed legs or curved spine, thickened wrists and ankles, and muscle weakness. Children may experience delayed motor skills such as sitting, crawling, or walking. Dental problems like delayed tooth formation, defects in tooth structure, and increased cavities are common. Severe cases can cause seizures or tetany due to very low calcium levels. The skull bones may soften, creating a condition called craniotabes.

Question 6

Who is at risk for rickets?

Accepted Answer

Infants and children with limited sun exposure are at highest risk, especially those living in northern latitudes or who stay indoors frequently. Breastfed babies whose mothers have vitamin D deficiency and children on strict vegan diets without supplementation are vulnerable. Dark-skinned children living in areas with limited sunlight face increased risk because melanin reduces vitamin D production. Children with malabsorption disorders like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, or kidney and liver diseases affecting vitamin D metabolism are also at elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if rickets is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated rickets leads to permanent skeletal deformities including severely bowed legs, curved spine, pelvic deformities, and stunted growth that persist into adulthood. Children face increased risk of bone fractures throughout life due to weakened bone structure. Dental problems become chronic, with increased tooth decay and structural abnormalities. Severe untreated rickets can cause seizures from hypocalcemia, respiratory problems from chest deformities, and in girls, pelvic deformities that may complicate childbirth later in life. Early detection and treatment prevent these permanent complications.

Question 8

Can rickets be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing rickets and identifying the underlying cause. The Calcium, Serum test and Phosphate (as Phosphorus) test detect mineral deficiencies that cause rickets. Blood tests measuring vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D) reveal vitamin D deficiency, the most common cause. Alkaline phosphatase levels are typically elevated in rickets, indicating increased bone turnover. Blood tests combined with X-rays showing characteristic bone changes and physical examination of skeletal deformities provide comprehensive diagnosis.

Question 9

How is rickets treated?

Accepted Answer

Rickets treatment focuses on correcting the underlying deficiency through vitamin D supplementation, typically with high-dose vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) given daily or weekly. Calcium and phosphate supplements may be added depending on blood test results. Dietary modifications include increasing foods rich in vitamin D (fortified milk, fatty fish, egg yolks) and calcium (dairy products, leafy greens). Increased safe sun exposure helps natural vitamin D production. Most children show improvement within weeks, with bone deformities gradually correcting over months. Severe skeletal deformities may require orthopedic intervention or bracing.

Question 10

How can I prevent rickets?

Accepted Answer

Prevent rickets by ensuring adequate vitamin D intake through supplements and diet. Breastfed infants should receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily from birth. Children should consume vitamin D-fortified milk, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and fortified cereals. Safe sun exposure of 10-15 minutes several times weekly helps natural vitamin D production, though sun protection remains important. Children with dark skin, limited sun exposure, or living in northern climates need vitamin D supplementation year-round. Regular well-child checkups monitor growth and development to catch early signs.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with rickets?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches include increasing safe sun exposure to boost natural vitamin D production, aiming for 10-15 minutes of midday sun on arms and legs several times weekly without sunscreen. Dietary changes should emphasize vitamin D-rich foods like wild-caught salmon, mackerel, sardines, egg yolks from pastured chickens, and mushrooms exposed to UV light. Cod liver oil provides both vitamin D and vitamin A. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds. However, natural remedies alone cannot treat diagnosed rickets—medical-grade vitamin D supplementation prescribed by a healthcare provider is essential for recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Rickets Blood Test

What is Rickets?

What causes rickets?

What is the best test for rickets?

When should I get tested for rickets?

References

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