Learn everything about the calcium profile test before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.
What Does the Test Measure?
During the calcium serum or the s calcium test, the medical practitioner takes a small blood sample from your arm and sends it for laboratory analysis. The blood is analysed for the concentration of calcium.
Two Types of Calcium Blood Tests
The two types of calcium serum tests achieve different results for your doctor:
Total Calcium Test:1
- Measures all calcium, combining both "bound calcium" (attached to proteins) and "free" or ionised calcium (not attached to proteins).
- Given the body's regulation of calcium balance, this test effectively estimates the level of ionised calcium, which is crucial for many body functions.
- Commonly included in routine screening tests like the basic metabolic panel (BMP) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
Ionised Calcium Test:
- Focuses specifically on measuring "free" calcium that is unattached to proteins in the blood.
- It is more specialised and often ordered if total calcium test results are abnormal or in situations requiring close monitoring of calcium levels (due to certain medical conditions, serious illness, or surgery).
Note that while these two calcium deficiency tests measure blood calcium levels, they do not indicate calcium content in bones. A bone density test (also known as a bone calcium test), such as a DEXA scan, is used to evaluate bone health
Symptoms of Having Too Much Calcium in your Blood (Hypercalcemia) Include:
Some common symptoms of hypercalcemia include:2
- Fatigue and weakness
- Kidney stones
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Increased thirst and dehydration
- Confusion or mental changes
Symptoms of Having Too Little Calcium in Your Blood (Hypocalcemia) Include:
Symptoms of having too little calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia) are as follows:
- Muscle cramps and spasms, especially in hands, feet, or face
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Abnormal heart rhythm (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Brittle Nails and hair
- Poor dental health (increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease)
Why Do Doctors Recommend Calcium Tests?
Doctors prescribe a calcium blood level test for the following reasons 3:
- Its recommended to monitor medical conditions that affect bones, kidneys, digestive system, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.
- To evaluate the overall health of an individual's bones.
- To detect hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia.
- To detect if an individual has a deficiency of vitamin D.
How To Prepare For a Serum Calcium Test?
The steps below help you ensure that your Calcium test provides the most accurate information about your health.
- Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.
- Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.
What Happens During Calcium Testing?
A Calcium Test only takes a few minutes.
- As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
- A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
- The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
- The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
- They place a small bandage on the arm
Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.