The quantity of calcium in your blood is measured by a calcium blood test. Too high or too low calcium in the blood can indicate a variety of medical issues, including bone disease, thyroid illness, parathyroid abnormalities, kidney disease, and others.
One of the most vital elements in your body is calcium. Your blood contains around 1% of the calcium in your body. The rest is held in your bones and teeth. The appropriate quantity of calcium in your blood is required for your neurons, muscles, and heart to function properly. It also aids blood vessels' movement throughout the body and releases hormones that impact various bodily processes.
Other names: total calcium, ionized calcium
What is Calcium Blood Test used for?
A blood calcium test is used for general health. It's also used to diagnose or monitor many types of medical conditions, including conditions that affect your bones, kidneys, digestive system, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.
There are two types of calcium blood tests that measure different forms of blood calcium:
- Total calcium test: It measures all the calcium in the blood. There are two types of blood calcium that are normally present in about equal amounts:
- "Bound calcium" is attached to proteins in the blood.
- "Free calcium" is not attached to proteins. It's also called ionized calcium. This form of blood calcium is active in many body functions.
- An ionized calcium test:It only detects "free calcium" in the blood which is not bound to proteins. Because an ionized calcium test is more difficult to perform, it is only requested when the findings of a total calcium test are abnormal. One may also be subjected to this test if they have a disease that impairs the body's capacity to balance the levels of ionized and bound calcium in their blood, are critically unwell or are undergoing surgery.
Because your body normally regulates the balance of bound and ionized calcium, a total calcium test provides an accurate indication of how much ionized calcium you have.
The most frequent blood calcium test is a total calcium test. It is frequently included in a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), both of which are common screening procedures.
What is the use of a calcium blood test?
As part of your routine examination, your doctor may have prescribed a basic or complete metabolic panel, which includes a calcium blood test.
This test may also be used to detect or monitor disorders that impact your blood calcium levels, or if you have symptoms of abnormal calcium levels.
High calcium levels might cause the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Loss of appetite
- More frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Confusion
Symptoms of low calcium levels include:
- Dry skin, coarse hair, and nails that easily break (after a long period of low levels)
- Muscle cramps, spasms
- Muscle stiffness
- Tingling in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet
- Arrhythmia
Many people who have raised or low calcium levels are asymptomatic. If you have a known ailment such as mentioned below that may alter your calcium levels, your physician may request a calcium test.
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid or parathyroid disease
- Malnutrition
- Problems absorbing calcium
- Certain types of cancer
What happens during a calcium blood test?
During a calcium blood test a small needle will be used by a healthcare expert to draw blood from a vein. After the insertion of the needle, a little quantity of blood will be collected as a sample in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting or discomfort when the needle goes in or out. This normally takes five minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
A calcium blood test, as well as a simple or complete metabolic panel, normally does not require any particular preparation. To ensure that your test results are correct, your physician may advise you to discontinue taking certain medications or supplements, such as vitamin D.
If your provider has requested further tests on your blood sample, you may be required to fast (not eat or drink anything) for several hours prior to the test. If there are any particular instructions to follow, your doctor will notify you.
Is there any risk in the test?
Having a blood test poses relatively no risk or danger. You may experience discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but mostly it will go soon.
What do the findings imply?
A total calcium test result that is greater than normal may indicate a variety of problems such as:
- Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which your parathyroid glands create an excessive amount of parathyroid hormone.
- Certain kinds of cancer, such as cancer that has spread to the bones.
- Paget's disease of the bone is one example of a bone condition.
- Taking an excessive amount of vitamin D over an extended period of time.
A total calcium test result that is lower than normal may indicate:
- Low protein levels in the blood, which can be caused by liver disease or malnutrition
- Hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) is a disorder in which your parathyroid glands generate insufficient parathyroid hormone.
- Inadequate calcium intake
- Inadequate levels of vitamin D or magnesium
- Kidney disease and pancreatitis.
If your total calcium blood test results are not within the normal range, it does not always imply that you have a medical issue that requires treatment. Calcium levels can be affected by your diet and some medications. Speak with your physician if you have any questions regarding your results.
Important information to know about a calcium blood test?
A calcium blood test does not reveal the amount of calcium in your bones. A bone density scan, known as a DEXA scan, may be used to assess bone health. A DEXA scan evaluates the mineral composition of your bones, including calcium, as well as other factors.
