Calcium (Ca2+) is both a mineral and an electrolyte which plays important roles in a number of body activities. It is vital in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones of proper density. Calcium is also essential in the process of cell signaling (communication between cells to coordinate cellular activities in a tissue and interaction with other tissues), blood clotting, and in the proper functioning of muscles, heart, and nerves. The Calcium Test (Total) measures the total amount of calcium in the blood. Reference: https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/calcium-1318

1. Calcium Test

3. What is Calcium test?
● The calcium test measures the levels of calcium in the blood
● Calcium is both a mineral and an electrolyte
● It plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones
● It is also essential in the process of cell signaling, blood clotting, and in the
proper functioning of muscles, heart, and nerves

4. Why is Calcium test done?
● For regular metabolic panel health checkups
● In case of symptoms indicating high or low levels of calcium
● At regular intervals to monitor treatment efficacy of calcium supplements
or Vitamin D supplements
● In patients with diseases causing abnormal blood calcium levels like thyroid
or parathyroid disorders, heart diseases, kidney diseases, neurological
diseases, pancreatitis, bone and teeth diseases

5. How is Calcium test done?
● Calcium test is done on a
blood sample.
● A syringe is attached to a
fine needle is used to
withdraw the blood from a
vein of your arm.

6. What does the result of Calcium test mean?
● Normal Calcium levels in the blood is maintained within a
narrow normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
● Hypocalcemia or low blood calcium is indicated if calcium
concentration lies below 8.5 mg/dL
● Hypercalcemia or high blood calcium is indicated if calcium
concentration lies above 10.5 mg/dL

7. Hypocalcemia or low blood calcium levels can be seen in
following conditions:
○ Hypoparathyroidism
○ Inadequate dietary intake of calcium
○ Decreased Vitamin D levels
○ Deficiency of Magnesium
○ Increased Phosphorus levels
○ Inflammation of pancreas
○ Renal failure

8. Hypercalcemia or high blood calcium levels can be seen in
following conditions:
○ Hyperthyroidism
○ Tuberculosis
○ Sarcoidosis
○ Excessive intake of Vitamin D
○ Immobilization from a long time
○ Kidney transplant
○ HIV infection

9. For more details, visit
https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/calcium-1318

10. For more details, visit
https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/calcium-1318