Calcium Test: Normal Levels, Causes of Low and High Calcium

Calcium is one of the minerals that the body needs for strong bones and teeth, muscle movement, nerve activity, and blood clotting. While most of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, a small amount circulates in the bloodstream and is essential for the maintenance of a number of functions in the body. Low and high levels of calcium in the blood can be detrimental to health. It is also known as a calcium blood test, which measures the amount of calcium in the blood. This test can be ordered to get more information about the health of the bones, to find out about some symptoms, or to find out about kidney, parathyroid, and other organ diseases. The following information will help you to better understand why this test might be ordered and why normal and abnormal results occur.

What Is a Calcium Test?

A blood test is known as a calcium test, and it analyzes the amounts of calcium in the blood. It is included in general health check-ups and metabolic panels. The blood has two types of calcium: bound to proteins (albumin) and free calcium. There is a total calcium test that measures both forms, and an ionised calcium test measures only the free form, which is the one that is biologically active. The doctors can recommend one of the tests which is dependent on clinical symptoms, medical history along with the overall condition of the patient.

Why Is a Calcium Blood Test Important?

There are a number of vital functions in our body that require calcium. It is essential in making sure the muscle contracts, the nerves transmit when they need to and in strengthening bones, in addition to helping in the blood clotting process. It's also involved in normal heart activity. By doing a blood test for calcium, doctors can determine if the blood calcium levels are in the expected range. Any abnormal result may be correlated with vitamin D deficiency, abnormal parathyroid activity, kidney disease, several types of cancer, and other diseases. This test may be ordered when a person has muscle cramps, weakness, kidney involvement (kidney stones), or symptoms of calcium imbalance. It can also be used to follow patients undergoing treatment for any disease of calcium metabolism.

What Are the Normal Calcium Levels?

In adults, a normal total calcium is about 8.5- 10.5 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Variation of the reference range in the laboratory and/or by methodology may occur, however. When the level of calcium in the blood is below the normal range, it is called hypocalcaemia, and if it is above the normal range, it is called hypercalcaemia. Interpretation of calcium results must be based on the judgement of a health care professional. The results could be affected by albumin levels, kidney function, vitamin D, symptoms, as well as other laboratory indices. In some cases, the ionised calcium test will offer more information.

Causes of Low Calcium Levels

Hypocalcaemia (low calcium) is a condition of low levels of calcium in the blood. May be a consequence of a failure to absorb vitamin D, or a failure to produce parathyroid hormone, impaired kidney function, or other defects relating to calcium content. There is another deficiency as well; vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is also common. It can also occur if one does not consume enough calcium in his/her diet on a consistent basis.

Other causes of low calcium include low magnesium serum levels, chronic kidney insufficiency, hypoparathyroidism, or some medications. Someone with even slightly decreased calcium levels may not have any symptoms. Extremely low levels of calcium can cause tingling and twitching around the mouth, around the fingers and toes, muscle cramping and weakness of muscles, or muscle spasms. In more severe cases, it may lead to seizures or irregular heartbeats, requiring treatment.

Causes of High Calcium Levels

An increase in the amount of calcium in the blood is referred to as hypercalcaemia. The most frequent cause is the overproduction of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. Cancer may also lead to hypercalcaemia as a result of its effect on the bones and through secretions made by the tumours. High vitamin D, excessive calcium supplementation, and prolonged immobility also cause it.

If calcium is elevated, but not too high, the symptoms are likely to be none. However, consuming too much can cause urination, constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, muscular weakness, and fatigue. A high level of hypercalcaemia can also cause problems with the kidneys, the heart, and the heart rhythm, and requires immediate investigations.

How Is the Calcium Test Performed?

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm, and the calcium level is measured. A healthcare professional cleans the area and inserts a small needle and draws blood into a blood sample tube. The sample is subsequently analysed at a laboratory. Otherwise, the preparation may vary, such as fasting for a glucose test. Tell your health care professional if you are on any medicines, vitamins, or calcium supplements. Never discontinue medication without a doctor's orders.

Calcium Testing at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides diagnostic testing to assist in examining and/or monitoring numerous health conditions. A test of blood calcium can be used to assess calcium balance and is useful in helping to diagnose symptoms or in monitoring calcium and parathyroid disorders, as well as disorders of the kidneys and bones. Test results should only be used by a trained health care worker and in conjunction with other tests and the patient's symptoms and medical history. A test can help the doctor know if the calcium is too high or too low, and what additional tests are needed.

Conclusion

An essential integrated blood test that also allows viewing of blood calcium levels and measuring the mineral status of the body. Calcium is used for normal bone and muscle development, nerve transmission, and clotting of the blood. Low calcium may be due to low vitamin D, kidney diseases, or parathyroid diseases, and high calcium may be due to hyperparathyroidism, certain cancers, and other illnesses. Discuss with your physician what tests do or do not apply to you.