CALCIUM
- Code
- 400.1200
- Name
- CALCIUM
- Category
- None
- Department
- Chemistry
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- CA; CA-
- CPT Codes
- 82310
- Site
- Main Lab
- Reference Test
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
48 hour stability- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
9-10.5 mg/dL
Critical low: <6 mg/dL
Critical high: >12 mg/dL- Methodology
Ion-selective Electrode (ISE)
Clinical Significance
Used in the diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease, a variety of bone diseases, chronic renal disease, and tetany (intermittent muscular contractions or spasms).
Serum calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor diseases of the bone or calcium regulation disorders (that is, diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys). Ionized calcium is measured when other factors complicate the interpretation of the normal serum calcium test (for example, the presence of abnormal amounts of albumin or immunoglobulins). Measurement of the serum calcium level is useful for determining the cause of kidney or thyroid problems and if an appropriate amount of vitamin D has been present in the person's body. All cells require calcium for numerous functions. Calcium is especially important in the structure of bones and in neuromuscular activity.