Serum Calcium Blood Tests and Their Clinical Relevance
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body,
found in the bones, blood, and other tissues. It helps the body build strong
bones and teeth and plays a role in many vital functions such as muscle contractions,
nerve transmissions, blood clotting, and hormone production. Calcium also helps
to regulate blood pressure and keep the heart beating regularly.
Calcium levels can affect a variety of bodily
functions. Low calcium levels, also known as hypocalcemia, can lead to muscle
spasms, fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and
confusion. It may also result in osteoporosis. In severe cases, it can lead to
seizures and an irregular heartbeat. High calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, can
lead to nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, and fatigue. It can also
cause excessive thirst and frequent urination. High levels of calcium can lead
to health problems, such as kidney stones or kidney failure.
Serum Calcium Test
A calcium blood test is used to diagnose and monitor
conditions related to calcium levels in the body, bone diseases, and
calcium-regulation disorders. Serum calcium is a test that measures the amount
of calcium in the blood. It is typically done as part of a routine health exam
or if a person has symptoms such as bone pain, muscle weakness, or
constipation.
There are two types of calcium blood tests:
- Ionized calcium test - Ionized calcium is the active form of
calcium in the blood and is the most accurate measure of calcium levels.
It can diagnose conditions such as hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, and other
disorders affecting calcium levels, such as kidney disease. Ionized
calcium tests measure the concentration of calcium ions in the blood
without interference from other substances.
- Total
calcium test: It
measures both ionized calcium and calcium bound to proteins and other
substances in the blood, including albumin. Total calcium tests may be
used to diagnose hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and other
conditions that affect calcium levels.
Procedure for Serum Calcium Blood Tests
During this procedure, a blood sample is drawn from
a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the
amount of calcium in the serum, which is the liquid part of the blood. The
results of the serum calcium test are reported in milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dL). The normal range for calcium is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. Abnormal calcium
levels can indicate a variety of medical problems.
In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests
to determine the cause of an abnormal calcium reading. These tests may include
a urine test to check for certain hormones that affect calcium levels or a
parathyroid hormone test to check for abnormalities in parathyroid gland function.
Clinical Relevance of Calcium Blood Tests
Serum calcium tests are an essential part of a
routine health exam. The test measures the amount of calcium in the blood and
can help diagnose and treat various medical problems. The most common reason for
a doctor to perform a calcium blood test is to check for calcium-related
medical conditions.
- Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) are often associated with
kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, and certain medications.
Hypocalcemia can indicate problems with the parathyroid glands and lead to
conditions such as hypoparathyroidism.
- High calcium levels (Hypercalcemia ) can indicate the
presence of kidney disease, certain types of cancer, vitamin D deficiency,
or excessive intake of calcium supplements.
A calcium blood test can be used to check for signs
of vitamin D deficiency or diagnose certain cancer types. A serum calcium test
can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for conditions such
as hyperparathyroidism and kidney disease. In addition, it can be used to
monitor calcium levels in people who are taking calcium supplements.
It is crucial to have regular screenings to ensure
that calcium levels remain within a healthy range. However, additional tests
may be needed to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions if levels are
outside of a normal range.
Efficacy and Safety of Calcium Tests
A calcium blood test is a convenient, simple, and
non-invasive way to assess a person’s calcium levels and detect any underlying
medical conditions. Serum calcium tests are generally considered safe and are
not associated with severe side effects.
In most cases, a calcium blood test is done as part
of a routine blood workup. It is also sometimes used to monitor calcium levels
in people taking calcium supplements or medications that can affect calcium
levels. Your doctor may also order a calcium blood test if they suspect you
have a condition affecting your calcium levels.
Thus, a calcium blood test
is an essential diagnostic tool for ensuring the good overall health and
preventing potential complications.
Mrs. Mayuri Mathur
Mrs. Mayuri Mathur is a Senior Medical Writer (Patient education and digital) and seasoned content creator with a rich tapestry of expertise spanning over ten years. With a diverse background in content creation, she brings a wealth of experience to the table, from crafting insightful medical articles to developing comprehensive patient education materials, dynamic press releases, and captivating brochures and website content. Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated an exceptional knack for distilling complex medical concepts into easily understandable content, making her a trusted resource for both professionals and lay audiences alike. Her meticulous attention to detail and innate creativity have enabled her to deliver content that not only informs but also engages and inspires. Whether elucidating intricate medical procedures or crafting compelling marketing materials, her versatility and dedication shine through in every project she undertakes. Her passion for writing, coupled with her profound understanding, makes her an invaluable asset to any team or project. In a constantly evolving digital landscape, where effective communication is paramount, Mrs. Mayuri Mathur stands out as a beacon of excellence, consistently delivering top-notch content that resonates with audiences across diverse platforms.
More FAQs by Mrs. Mayuri Mathur
Medtalks is India's fastest growing Healthcare Learning and Patient Education Platform designed and developed to help doctors and other medical professionals to cater educational and training needs and to discover, discuss and learn the latest and best practices across 100+ medical specialties. Also find India Healthcare Latest Health News & Updates on the India Healthcare at Medtalks
Please login to comment on this article