In a teenage girl with symptoms suggestive of fatigue, what is the most appropriate test to rule out vitamin D deficiency?

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Prepare for the Rosh Pediatrics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test today!

The most appropriate test to rule out vitamin D deficiency in a teenage girl presenting with symptoms suggestive of fatigue is the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This is considered the primary form of vitamin D that circulates in the blood and is the best indicator of an individual's vitamin D status. It reflects both dietary intake and sunlight synthesis, providing a comprehensive picture of vitamin D levels.

In clinical practice, checking for 25-hydroxyvitamin D allows healthcare providers to determine if a deficiency exists, which can contribute to fatigue among other symptoms. Other forms of vitamin D, such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, are produced as a result of metabolism in the body and do not accurately indicate vitamin D stores; they are typically tested in conditions where there is a suspicion of metabolic disorders related to calcium and phosphorous metabolism. Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol refer to forms of vitamin D (D3 and D2, respectively) and are not direct measures of vitamin D status in the body.

In summary, measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D is essential for assessing and ruling out vitamin D deficiency, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

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