AN OVERVIEW
About serum calcium test
Why is the serum calcium test done?
You can undergo a serum calcium test as a part of your routine health checkup or if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with an increased or low calcium level.
High calcium levels might cause the following symptoms:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Frequent urination
- Thirstiness
- Increased constipation
- Abdomen pain
- Loss of appetite
Low calcium levels can cause the following symptoms:
- Lips, tongue, fingers, and feet tingling
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Heartbeat irregularity
Many people with high or low calcium levels do not show any symptoms. If you have a disease that might change your calcium levels, you can go for a calcium test. Here are some of them:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Thyroid disorder
- Malnutrition
- Cancer
What does the serum calcium test measure?
Calcium is a mineral present in the teeth and bone. Calcium is required by the body for performing essential neuron, muscle, and cardiac functions. High or low calcium levels can indicate some health problems, including bone disease, thyroid illness, renal disease, or other medical issues.
The serum calcium test checks the following types of calcium in the body:
- Bound calcium: Calcium attached to other anions and proteins like albumin
- Unbound Calcium/ Ionized Calcium: Calcium that is not bound to proteins and flows freely in the blood
The amount of calcium in your bones cannot be checked by a calcium blood test. A bone density test, however, can be used to examine your bone health and density (DEXA scan).
The serum calcium test is also known as the total calcium test.
Risks/side effects of serum calcium test
There are usually no side effects or risks associated with a serum calcium test. However, you might feel some pain for a few days in the area from where the blood will be taken using a needle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
When is the serum calcium test performed?
A serum calcium test is performed:
- To keep a check on the health of those who are ill.
- To check the efficacy of the treatment and to track the progression of the ailment.
- To check calcium levels during and after blood transfusions.
How to prepare for a serum calcium test?
No preparations are required for the serum calcium test. However, do inform your doctor about the medications that you are intaking before the test, as these can influence your test results.
How is the serum calcium test performed?
The serum calcium test is performed by collecting your blood sample from a vein using an injection. The area from where the blood would be withdrawn would be first cleaned using some alcohol. You can later cover it with a gauze pad. The serum calcium test can be done either at a hospital, laboratory, or clinic. Home collection services are also available.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the serum calcium test results
High blood calcium levels can be caused by hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, TB, prolonged immobility, excess vitamin D intake, thiazide diuretics, kidney transplant, and HIV/AIDS, etc.
Reasons for low blood calcium levels include liver disease, malnutrition, hypoparathyroidism, extreme calcium shortage, vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, high phosphorus levels, acute pancreatic inflammation, and renal failure, etc.
If your blood calcium test gives an abnormal test report, you can go for other tests, like ionized calcium test, urine calcium test, vitamin D test, electrolyte panel test, kidney function test, parathyroid hormone (PTH) test, PTH related peptide test, and electrocardiography (ECG).
Reference Range: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dl (2.2 to 2.7 m mol/L approx.)
Serum Calcium Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 70*
Calcium is an essential mineral required by the body. Calcium blood tests check the amount of calcium present in our body. High or low calcium levels can indicate some health problems.
Read further to know more about the serum calcium test in Chandigarh, including its price and cost, preparation, understanding its results, side effects, etc.
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