Calcium (Ca) Test

Macromineral calcium is needed for the teeth and bone formation, blood coagulation, hormone release, and the maintenance of neurological functions in the body. Most of it is stored in the bones. Being a double-edged sword, calcium's toxicity and deficiency can lead to some fatal issues. Thus, its level must lie within the normal calcium range.

A calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in the blood. The amount that is finally reflected is useful for screening, diagnosing and monitoring for calcium-regulation disorders. Calcium levels are used to diagnose bone, teeth, kidneys, pancreas, heart and nervous system disorders.

Serum calcium tests will not indicate the amount of calcium present in the bones or the lack of calcium in your diet. To know about bone health, your doctor will advise a bone density scan or a DEXA scan.

Based on your history and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe a blood calcium test to assess the functioning of various organs of the body, including for the following reasons:

• Kidneys or renal failure
• Parathyroid glands to screen for seizures or tetany, spasms or muscle cramps
• Pancreas to detect any inflammation resulting in pancreatitis
• A particular variety of cancer
• Osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children
• Heart for cardiac arrhythmia

It can also be prescribed as part of routine blood tests to screen for any dormant/subclinical infection or disease.

Other Names of Calcium Test

• Hyperparathyroidism - calcium level
• Total Ca+2 or Ca++
• Serum Calcium
• Osteoporosis - Calcium Level Test

What does the calcium blood test detect/measure and who is this prescribed for?

A calcium blood test or serum calcium measures the amount of calcium in the blood alone. It should not be mistaken for a test of bone calcium levels. Your doctor will advise a bone density scan to detect your bone health status.

Some diseases for which a doctor prescribes a Basal Metabolic Panel to assess calcium level include:

• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Malnutrition
• Delirium and dementia

A calcium blood test is prescribed for those experiencing symptoms of either high or low calcium levels in the body. They are:

Symptoms of hypercalcemia or high calcium levels are:

• Increased urination
• Fatigue, headache and body aches
• Loss of appetite and constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Depression and lethargy
• Weakness and cramps

Symptoms of hypocalcemia or low calcium levels are:

• Numbness and tingling sensations in the extremities
• Confusion and memory loss episodes
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased occurrence of bone fractures
• Brittle nails
• Depression and hallucinations

The calcium blood test is applicable for males and females, both adults and children.

The calcium test results are based on the analysis of a blood sample collected from the arm's vein.

Test Preparation

1. Before the test

The procedure for the calcium blood test is not intense. Nowadays, the current practice does not require fasting before sample collection. However, inform your doctor about all the drugs and medications you are on currently. Also, avoid intake of particular medications, like:

• Calcium supplements, as they increase blood calcium levels
• Thiazide diuretics
• Vitamin D
• Thyroxine
• Consumption of excess milk or milk products before the test

Avoid the above overnight, that is, 8-12 hours before the test.

1.  During the test

A nurse or sample collector will collect the blood sample from an arm vein using a needle.

1. After the test

When done hygienically and according to protocol, the calcium test procedure poses no serious threats to an individual. There might be a slight soreness due to needle insertion and lightheadedness.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters are Included?

A calcium blood test solely estimates the amount of calcium present in your blood and not the bones. It is a part of the basic metabolic panel (BMP), a routine screening test.

The results of the calcium blood test must lie within the normal calcium range to confirm the healthy functioning of vital organs and the nervous system. The test accounts for the signs and symptoms of either hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Many times it can go undiagnosed due to the asymptomatic nature of hypocalcemia.

Hypercalcemia might be due to:

• Cancer, sometimes bone cancer
• Oversecretion of parathyroid glands
• Certain medications
• Tuberculosis
• Paget's disease of the bone
• Immobility (long bed rest after trauma, surgery, injury, etc.)

Hypocalcemia might be due to:

• Hypoparathyroidism
• Hypoalbuminemia, possibly indicating liver disease
• Malnutrition
• Alcoholism
• Rickets and osteomalacia

How Frequently Should You Take This Test?

A calcium blood test can diagnose rickets, osteomalacia, neurological disorders or cardiac issues. Your doctor will prescribe the calcium blood test based on seizures, tingling sensations, fractures, constipation and abdominal pains. These are the known symptoms of calcium deficiency/toxicity.

One must opt for routine blood work that includes calcium testing once a year to safeguard themselves from diseases. If you are hypocalcemic, you should take appropriate medication. Upon reaching a stable calcium concentration in the blood, get monitored every three to six months.

Hyper/Hypoparathyroidism, Tetany, Osteomalacia in adults, Rickets in children

Age-based Calcium Test Range