Calcium
Synonyms
None
Purpose
Calcium test measures calcium levels in blood for diagnosis of bone disease, thyroid disease, parathyroid disorders, kidney disease, and other conditions.
Patient Preparation
It is recommended for patient to have a morning fasting before sample collection.
Samples
1 ml serum (preferred) or plasma collected in red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. Serum or plasma should be separated within 45 minutes of sample collection. Samples are stable at room temperature/refrigerated/frozen for 14 days.
Reference Range
<10 days (Males 8.6?10.4 mg/dL) (Female 8.6-10.4mg/dL)
11 days-1 year ( Males 9.2?11.0 mg/dL)( Females 9.2-11.0 mg/dL)
2 years-11 years ( Males 9.1?10.5mg/dL)( Females 9.1-10.5 mg/dL)
12years-17 year ( Males 8.9-10.4 mg/dL)( Females 8.9-10.4 mg/dL)
18 years-59 years ( Males 8.7?10.2 mg/dL)( Females 8.7-10.2 mg/dL)
>59 years ( Males 8.6?10.2 mg/dL)( Females 8.7-10.3 mg/dL).
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators
High calcium levels are associated with constipation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, frequent urination, increased thirst and confusion, while low calcium levels is associated with dry skin, coarse hair, and nails that easily break, muscle cramps, stiffness, tingling in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet , and arrhythmia..