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.
This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blood.
Calcium can also be measured in the urine. See: Calcium - urine test
Alternative NamesCa+2; Serum calcium; Ca++
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYour health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
Drugs that can increase calcium levels include:
Drinking too much milk (two or more quarts a day) or taking too much vitamin D as a dietary supplement can also increase blood calcium levels.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is usually done to screen for bone diseases or diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys. It can also be done to monitor patients with such conditions.
About half of the calcium in the blood is attached to proteins. A separate test measures calcium that is not attached to proteins in your blood. Such calcium is called free or ionized calcium. See: Calcium - ionized
Normal ValuesNormal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels may be due to:
Lower than normal levels may be due to:
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Wysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 266.
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.
This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blood.
Calcium can also be measured in the urine. See: Calcium - urine test
Alternative NamesCa+2; Serum calcium; Ca++
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the testYour health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
Drugs that can increase calcium levels include:
Drinking too much milk (two or more quarts a day) or taking too much vitamin D as a dietary supplement can also increase blood calcium levels.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of:
Your doctor may also order this test if you have been on bed rest for a long time.
About half of the calcium in the blood is attached to proteins. A separate test measures calcium that is not attached to proteins in your blood. Such calcium is called free or ionized calcium. See: Calcium - ionized
Normal ValuesNormal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels may be due to a number of health conditions. Common causes include:
Lower than normal levels may be due to:
Wysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 253.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/17/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Ca on a blood test refers to the calcium level in the body that is not stored in the bones. Calcium is one of the most vital mineral in the body.
- infrared spectrometry - the test with calcium hydroxide (calcium carbonate, white and insoluble in water, is formed)
Calcium gives a red color.It is brick red.
Is a comet blood test the same as cmp
calcium chloride burns with a orange flame.
Ca on a blood test refers to the calcium level in the body that is not stored in the bones. Calcium is one of the most vital mineral in the body.
BMP blood test or Basic Metabolic Panel blood test comprises a set of tests that throw light on the functioning of a person's kidneys, blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and acid/base levels. BMP blood test comprises testing for: Glucose,Calcium,Sodium, Potassium, CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate) and Chloride.
Cell damage
a blood test performed to determine the serum levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland in response to low blood calcium levels.
Blood
It increases the concentration of calcium in the blood. Calcitonin decreases blood calcium levels.
If a doctor informs you that you need a magnesium test, you do not need to fast beforehand. A magnesium test will check for kidney problems, muscle problems, and if you are low on calcium.
"The amount of calcium in the blood is regulated by two organs: thyroid and parathyroid glands. Each gland produces hormones by sensing the amount of calcium in the blood. When calcium is high in the blood, the thyroid gland produces calcitonin, which results in the removal of excess calcium from the blood. When calcium is low in the blood, the parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone, which causes the release of calcium from bone into the blood."
The time it takes to get rid of calcium build-up in the heart varies depending on the severity of the build-up and the treatment approach. It could take several months to years with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical procedures, such as angioplasty or stent placement. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan.
When the blood calcium is low, the bones in the body release calcium to supplement it. This is a condition which is known as hypocalcemia.
Calcitonin decreases calcium levels in the blood. A good way to remember it is "Calcitonin tones down the calcium."Calcitonin (just remember calciTONin, tones down blood calcium)
The PTT test is a blood sample that is spun in a centrifuge, separating the plasma. The coagulation cascade is triggered by calcium and activating substances. The PTT is the time it takes for a blood clot to form.