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Definition
The calcium blood check measures the extent of calcium within the blood.
This text discusses the check to measure the overall quantity of calcium in your blood. About one half of the calcium within the blood is connected to proteins, primarily albumin.
A separate check that measures calcium that’s not connected to proteins in your blood is usually carried out. Such calcium is named free or ionized calcium.
Calcium will also be measured within the urine.
Various Names
Ca+2; Serum calcium; Ca++; Hyperparathyroidism – calcium stage; Osteoporosis – calcium stage; Hypercalcemia – calcium stage; Hypocalcemia – calcium stage
How the Check is Carried out
A blood pattern is required.
Put together for the Check
Your well being care supplier might let you know to briefly cease taking sure medicines that may have an effect on the check. These medicines might embrace:
Consuming an excessive amount of milk (2 or extra quarts or 2 liters a day or a considerable amount of different dairy merchandise) or taking an excessive amount of vitamin D as a dietary complement may improve blood calcium ranges.
How the Check will Really feel – “calcium blood count”
When the needle is inserted to attract blood, some individuals really feel average ache. Others really feel solely a prick or stinging. Afterward, there could also be some throbbing or slight bruising. This quickly goes away.
Why the Check is Carried out
All cells want calcium in an effort to work. Calcium helps construct sturdy bones and enamel. It is crucial for coronary heart operate, and helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Your physician might order this check when you’ve got indicators or signs of:
Your physician may additionally order this check when you’ve got been on mattress relaxation for a very long time.
Regular Outcomes
Regular values vary from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.13 to 2.55 millimol/L).
Regular worth ranges might range barely amongst totally different laboratories. Some laboratories use totally different measurements or might check totally different specimens. Discuss to your physician in regards to the that means of your particular check outcomes.