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Blood test information

Calcium Blood Test

Measures the level of the mineral calcium in the blood.

Result: 1 day Code: 82310
45 

Description of the blood Analysis:

Calcium is one of the most abundant and important minerals in the body. While about 99% of it is stored in the bones and teeth to provide structure and strength, the remaining 1% circulates in the blood. This small fraction is vital for the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and the heart, and it plays a key role in blood clotting. The body strictly regulates blood calcium levels using parathyroid hormone (PTH), Vitamin D, and calcitonin.

What Does the Analysis Represent?

  • Goal: To measure the total amount of calcium in the blood (both free/ionized and bound to proteins like albumin).
  • Main Application: Screening for bone diseases, kidney disorders, parathyroid gland issues, and monitoring patients with certain types of cancer or those taking medications that affect calcium balance.
  • Biological Process: It reflects the dynamic balance between calcium absorption in the intestines, its storage or release from the bones, and its excretion through the kidneys.

Recommendations for the Test (General)

  • Fasting: Recommended. Fasting for 8–12 hours is preferred to avoid the influence of dietary calcium (from dairy or supplements) on the result.
  • Diet: Avoid taking calcium supplements or antacids containing calcium for 24 hours before the test.
  • Physical State: Avoid prolonged use of a tourniquet during the blood draw, as it can artificially increase calcium levels.
  • Material: Venous blood (serum).

What Can Affect the Results?

  • Albumin Levels: Since about half of the calcium in the blood is bound to the protein albumin, low albumin levels (common in liver disease or malnutrition) will result in a falsely low “total calcium” reading.
  • Vitamin D: A deficiency or excess of Vitamin D directly impacts how much calcium the body absorbs.
  • Medications: Thiazide diuretics can increase calcium, while “loop” diuretics, corticosteroids, and certain anticonvulsants can decrease it.
  • Dairy and Supplements: Recent high intake of calcium-rich foods or pills can cause a temporary spike.

When to Take the Test?

  • Symptoms of High Calcium (Hypercalcemia): Excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, constipation, bone pain, or “brain fog.”
  • Symptoms of Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia): Muscle cramps, tingling in the fingers or around the mouth (paresthesia), and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms or seizures.
  • Routine Screening: Part of a basic metabolic panel during annual check-ups.
  • Known Conditions: Monitoring patients with thyroid or parathyroid surgery, kidney stones, or malabsorption issues (like Celiac disease).

How to Interpret the Results?

Important: Calcium levels must be interpreted by a doctor, often alongside albumin and parathyroid hormone tests. High Calcium: Can indicate overactive parathyroid glands or bone-related metabolic issues. Low Calcium: May suggest vitamin D deficiency or issues with the kidneys or parathyroid glands.

Possible Further Investigations

  • PTH (Parathyroid Hormone): To see if the parathyroid glands are the cause of the imbalance.
  • Vitamin D (25-hydroxy): To check if a deficiency is preventing proper calcium absorption.
  • Phosphorus and Magnesium: These minerals are closely linked to calcium metabolism.
  • Urine Calcium Test: To see how much calcium the kidneys are excreting (important for kidney stone prevention).
  • DEXA Scan: To assess bone density if chronic calcium issues are suspected.

When Does the Next Step Make Sense? 

The next step is necessary if calcium levels are consistently outside the normal range. Because calcium is vital for the heart’s electrical system, significant deviations can be dangerous. A physician will usually look at calcium alongside albumin and PTH to pinpoint whether the issue is hormonal, nutritional, or related to an underlying organ dysfunction.

👉 If necessary, you can discuss the results of the analysis with a specialist, such as an Endocrinologist (Doctors – TAMC), Nephrologist (Doctors – TAMC).

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Tel Aviv Medical Clinic

Weizman st. 14, Tel Aviv, Israel

972-7337-46844

972-5233-73108

[email protected]

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