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.
"Ca" on a blood test typically refers to calcium levels in the blood. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various medical conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or certain cancers. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and diagnosis.
In a blood test, "Ca" typically stands for calcium. This measurement assesses the level of calcium in the blood, which is important for various bodily functions including bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Abnormal levels of calcium can indicate underlying health conditions.
sodium (Na+) [2] potassium (K+) [3] chloride (Cl−) [4] bicarbonate (HCO3−) or CO2 [5] blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [6] creatinine [7] glucose [8] Calcium (Ca2+)
To collect a blood sample for serum calcium level estimation, no specific prerequisites are typically required. However, it is recommended to fast for a few hours prior to the test, avoid strenuous exercise before the test, and inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken that may affect calcium levels.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major controller of blood calcium levels. It acts to increase calcium levels in the blood by stimulating the release of calcium from the bones, enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion in the kidneys.
"Ca" on a blood test typically refers to calcium levels in the blood. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various medical conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or certain cancers. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and diagnosis.
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.
In a blood test, "Ca" typically stands for calcium. This measurement assesses the level of calcium in the blood, which is important for various bodily functions including bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Abnormal levels of calcium can indicate underlying health conditions.
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.
An EDTA blood test is used primarily for measuring the levels of certain elements and metals in the blood, such as calcium, lead, zinc, and magnesium. It is also used to diagnose and monitor conditions like heavy metal poisoning, mineral deficiencies, and certain types of anemia.
sodium (Na+) [2] potassium (K+) [3] chloride (Cl−) [4] bicarbonate (HCO3−) or CO2 [5] blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [6] creatinine [7] glucose [8] Calcium (Ca2+)
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."
To collect a blood sample for serum calcium level estimation, no specific prerequisites are typically required. However, it is recommended to fast for a few hours prior to the test, avoid strenuous exercise before the test, and inform the healthcare provider about any medications or supplements being taken that may affect calcium levels.
Excess calcium is stored in the bones when blood calcium levels increase. This process is regulated by hormones such as calcitonin and parathyroid hormone, which help maintain calcium balance in the body.