Test Overview A test for calcium
Normally the level of calcium in the blood is carefully controlled. When blood calcium levels get low (hypocalcemia hypercalcemia
Vitamin D and these hormones help control the amount of calcium in the body. They also control the amount of calcium you absorb from food and the amount passed from the body in urine. The blood levels of phosphate are closely linked to calcium levels and they work in opposite ways: As blood calcium levels get high, phosphate levels get low, and the opposite is also true.
Most people who have low or high levels of calcium do not have any symptoms. Calcium levels need to be very high or low to cause symptoms.
Why It Is Done
A blood calcium test may be done:
To check for problems with the parathyroid glands pancreatitis To find a reason for an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) After a kidney transplant To see if your symptoms may be caused by a very low calcium level in the blood. Such symptoms may include muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching and tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. To see if your symptoms may be caused by a very high calcium level in the blood. Such symptoms may include weakness, lack of energy, not wanting to eat, nausea and vomiting, constipation, urinating a lot, belly pain, or bone pain. As part of a routine blood test. A blood calcium test can't be used to check for a lack of calcium in your diet or for the loss of calcium from the bones (osteoporosis bone density
How To Prepare
In general, you don't need to prepare before having this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.
Load More Information about Calcium (Ca) in Blood Test
How It Is Done
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Watch How It Feels
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Risks
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Results
Normal Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
Normal blood calcium values are lower in older people.
You may also have values for an ionized calcium test. This test checks the amount of calcium that is not attached to protein in the blood. The level of ionized calcium in the blood is not affected by the amount of protein in the blood.
High values High values of calcium may be caused by:
Low values Low values of calcium may be caused by:
Related Information
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Current as of: April 30, 2024
