VD (VD), a hormone-like, fat-soluble molecule, is essential for several biological processes, such as gene regulation, calcium balance, bone health, immune function, antiviral defense, and neuromuscular activity. Its deficiency is associated with various disorders, including chronic hypocalcemia and increased risk of severe diseases, such as COVID-19. Monitoring 25-hydroxyVD (25-OH-D) levels is vital, with serum 25-OH-VD being the standard marker. While chromatography and immunometric assays are well-established, innovative point-of-care (POC) platforms like AFIAS-1® (Boditech & Menarini, Gangwon, Republic of Korea) are emerging as rapid and automated alternatives, particularly advantageous for decentralized settings such as pharmacies, general practitioners' offices, and specialized hospital centers like intensive care units. This study compared AFIAS-1® using whole blood with the gold standard UHPLC-MS/MS using plasma in 50 samples, showing a strong correlation and confirming AFIAS-1® as a reliable method for measuring 25-OH-D levels.
Keywords: 25-OH-VD; point of care test; quantitation technique.