Overview

Serum calcium levels are crucial for diagnosing disorders related to the bones, kidneys, parathyroid glands, and gastrointestinal tract. Hypocalcemia can occur due to parathyroid dysfunction or impaired vitamin D synthesis, while hypercalcemia may result from increased calcium release from bones or enhanced intestinal absorption. Calcium levels can also reflect abnormal vitamin D or protein levels.

What is the Calcium Test ?

Calcium levels in Serum are used in Diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of disorders including Diseases of Bone, Kidney, Parathyroid Gland, or Gastrointestinal tract. Hypocalcemia is due to the absence or impaired function of the Parathyroid Glands or impaired Vitamin-D synthesis. Chronic Renal failure is also frequently associated with Hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia is brought about by increased mobilization of calcium from the skeletal system or increased intestinal absorption. Calcium levels may also reflect abnormal vitamin D or protein levels.

What is the Purpose of the Calcium Test ?

• Health Screening: Often, a routine health screening includes a measurement of the total calcium level. It is a part of the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which are sets of tests used in combination to diagnose or track a variety of conditions.
• Diagnose Calcium Deficiency and Related Disorders: There is an underlying issue when the total calcium result is abnormal. Additional tests to measure Ionized Calcium, Urine Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) are advised along with this test to aid in the diagnosis. Calcium levels in the blood are kept within a specific range by PTH and vitamin D.

When is a Calcium Test Recommended ?

The following are a few signs that could indicate an Calcium Test:

 High Calcium levels:

• Constipation
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Excessive urination
• Kidney stones
• Bone, joint, and muscle symptoms, such as weakness, aches, and pains
• Fatigue
• Depression 
• Confusion

Low Calcium Levels:

• Dry skin, coarse hair, and brittle nails
• Muscle cramps
• Spasms and stiffness in muscles
• Tingling in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Seizures, if calcium levels are extremely low

Diseases associated with abnormal Calcium levels:

• Kidney disease
• Thyroid or Parathyroid disease
• Malnutrition
• Problems absorbing calcium
• Certain types of Cancer

Preparation for Calcium Test

It is necessary to fast overnight prior to taking a Calcium test, which means you can only drink water but cannot eat for this time period. Ask your doctor if you need to temporarily stop taking any of your regular medications because they may have an impact on the results of this test

What is the Cost of the Calcium Test ?

The Price of a Calcium Test is Rs. 150. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with Calcium Test
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient

Components of Calcium Test

• Calcium: Calcium is necessary for cell signaling as well as the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Calcium is essential for bone and tooth development, density, and maintenance. It is also required for blood coagulation.

Interpreting the Calcium Test Results

A normal Blood Calcium level for adults is 8.5 to 10.2 milligrams/deciliter (2.15 to 2.55 millimoles/liter). 

High calcium levels may indicate:

• Hyperparathyroidism
• Lung diseases such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis
• Kidney failure
• Lung Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Certain Cancers of the blood
• Hyperthyroidism (An overactive thyroid)
• Paget’s disease of the bone
• Multiple Myeloma

Low Calcium levels may indicate:

• Hypoparathyroidism
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Kidney failure (renal failure)
• Hypomagnesemia
• Pancreatitis
• Celiac disease or other conditions that cause malabsorption

How is the Calcium Test Done ?

The Blood Sample for Calcium test is taken in following steps:

• The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
• A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
• A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
• Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
• Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.