LAB TEST
Calcium blood test
The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blood. About one half of the calcium in the blood is attached to proteins, mainly albumin. A separate test that measures calcium that is not attached to proteins in your blood is sometimes performed. Such calcium is called free or ionized calcium . Calcium can also be measured in the urine .
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines that can affect the test. These medicines may include: Calcium salts (may be found in nutritional supplements or antacids) Lithium Thiazide diuretics (water pills) Levothyroxine Vitamin D Drinking too much milk (2 or more quarts or 2…
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is important for heart function, and helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Your provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of: Certain bone diseases Certain cancers, such as multiple…
Normal Results
Normal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (0.47 to 0.57 millimol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A higher than normal level may be due to a number of health conditions. Common causes include: Being on bed rest for a long time. Consuming too much calcium or vitamin D. Hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make too much of their hormone; sometimes associated with a low vitamin D level). Infections that cause…
Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:…
References
Chonchol M, Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18. Klemm KM, Klein MJ, Zhang Y. Biochemical markers of bone…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 19/11/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.