Calcium Test

The calcium test is done either as a part of general health check-up or in certain medical conditions where abnormal calcium levels are suspected. These may include disorders of bones, parathyroid glands, kidneys, heart or digestive systems.

This test measures the total amount of calcium in the blood. This includes:

• "Bound calcium", attached to blood proteins
• "Free/ionised calcium", available as a free mineral that is unbound to proteins

This test is often a part of the routine screening tests namely, Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

Calcium test measures all the calcium (bound and free calcium) in the blood.

During a calcium test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Low calcium levels may lead to dry skin, coarse hair, brittle nails, muscle cramps, tingling, and cardiac irregularities. Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) may occur due to hypoparathyroidism, kidney conditions, malnutrition. pancreatitis, low calcium diet and vitamin D deficiency.
High calcium levels may lead to constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomitting, and mental confusion. Abnormal calcium levels may at times even be asymtomatic. High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) may indicate hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland), certain cancers, bone disorders like Paget's disease or high vitamin D levels.

High/low calcium in your blood does not necessarily hint at a medical problem. Several factors like diet and medications can affect your calcium levels. There could be errors in sample collection or testing. In this case, you might be asked to repeat the procedure.

Sometimes, your doctor may want to get one or more of the following tests done to determine the cause of your abnormal calcium levels:

• Ionized blood calcium
• Urine calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
• Thyroid hormones
• Calcitonin

Please feel free to discuss any with your doctor regarding any concerns.

Once your blood sample has been collected, it will be sent to the laboratory for testing. Once the test results are back, your results will be shared with you by your healthcare provider.

There are some very rare risks involved in taking a blood sample. These include:

• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Hematoma. It occurs when blood accumulates under your skin
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding

Most of the time, the results of blood calcium tests are available within 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes it may take a little longer.

Experiencing symptoms associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium) or hypercalcemia (high calcium) requires immediate medical attention. You should immediately contact your doctor as early as possible.

You will not need any special preparations for this blood test. The doctor may ask you to discontinue certain medicines or supplements, such as vitamin D. This is to ensure the accuracy of your test results. You may be asked to fast for six to eight hours before the test. Please discuss with your provider if there are any special instructions to follow.

Some medications can affect the levels of your blood calcium. They are:

• Bisphosphonates
• Corticosteroids
• Corticosteroids
• Rifampin
• Calcitonin
• Plicamycin.
• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and other thiazide diuretics
• Denosumab
• Chloroquine, etc

A phlebotomist will draw blood from the vein of your arm, using a needle. A small amount of blood is collected into a vial. This will be sent to the laboratory for testing. Some people might feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This resolves very quickly. This entire process is usually completed within five minutes.

Mostly, the normal level of blood calcium for adults is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. However, the normal range may vary between laboratories. This is due to different instruments used for the test so refer to the normal range mentioned in the test results.

High calcium levels could be due to one of the following conditions:

• Overactivity of the parathyroid glands causes them to produce higher levels of parathyroid hormone
• Cancer, including the ones spreading to the bone
• Bone disorders
• Higher and prolonged intake of Vitamin D

Low calcium levels could be due to one of the following conditions:

• Low levels of blood protein
• Underactivity of the parathyroid glands causes them to produce lower than required levels of parathyroid hormone
• Calcium deficiency in the diet
• Vitamin D/Magnesium deficiency
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease

• Total Calcium

A calcium test helps in the early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels. A coronary calcium scan provides insights into the risk of heart disease and guides treatment decisions.

Managing calcium deficiency typically involves taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, dietary changes include more calcium-rich foods, and treating underlying conditions like parathyroid disorders or kidney disease.

A calcium test helps diagnose hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, kidney stones, bone disease, and parathyroid disorders. A coronary calcium scan and assesses the risk of coronary artery disease and potential heart attacks.

Yes, certain medications, such as thiazide diuretics, lithium, and medications for treating osteoporosis, can affect calcium levels in the blood, potentially influencing the results of a calcium blood test.

Fasting is typically not required before you undergo a calcium blood test. However, it’s important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may influence the results.

Factors that can affect calcium test results include dehydration, prolonged immobilisation, certain medications, vitamin D levels, and underlying health conditions such as kidney disease or parathyroid disorders.

Calcium tests are generally accurate and reliable when performed under standard conditions. However, factors such as sample handling, laboratory techniques, and patient preparation can influence the results.