Vitamin K1

Description: 
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of Vitamin K1
Clinical details: 
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin with important roles in blood coagulation factor synthesis, bone mineralisation and vascular calcification. There are various forms of vitamin K. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is synthesised by plants, vitamin K2 (the menaquinones) are predominantly of bacterial origin while vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetic pharmaceutical. At the Nutristasis unit we assess tissue stores by measuring serum vitamin K1 levels, from which it is possible to identify suboptimal status before the appearance of symptoms. In addition to vitamin K1 we also measure undercarboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II) to provide additional insight in to the nature and extent of the deficiency. PIVKA-II can also help investigate cases where vitamin K antagonists are involved or complications due to poor hepatic function. Screening for vitamin K deficiency is recommended in high risk groups such as those with malnutrition, malabsorption (e.g. cystic fibrosis, short bowel, Crohn’s disease, biliary problems etc) or those who may have impaired utilisation of vitamin K e.g. liver disease.
Reference range: 

0.15-1.55 ug/L

Synonyms or keywords: 
Phylloquinone, menaquinone, menadione, phytomenadione
Units: 
ug/L
Sample type and Volume required: 
Separated serum - 0.5mL
Call in advance: 
No
Turnaround time: 
10 days
Special sample instructions: 

Protect from light. 

Whole blood unsuitable.

Storage and transport: 
Sample must be protected from light
Contacts:
Nutristasis Unit at St Thomas'
020 7188 6815 / 89543
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 4th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH

Laboratory opening times
Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.00
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

Print as a PDF

Last updated: 05/01/2022