Calcium

AsseyMethod: Photo Colorimetric
Abbrevation: ca
Sector: Biochemistry
SampleType: s
S.Vol: -
Transport: at 20-25˚,at 4-8˚c,at -20˚c,
Storage: 7 days at 20-25˚c,3 week 4-8˚c,8 month at -20˚c
Test Name: Calcium
Normal Range: male:80-140 Female:80-155 Newborn 12-67 child:30-150

This test is related to
Why get tested?

To determine if the concentration of calcium in your blood is at normal levels.

When to get tested?

In persons with kidney, bone, or nerve disease, or when symptoms of abnormal calcium are present.

Sample required?

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm; a timed urine collection may be used when blood calcium concentration is abnormal; urine calcium measurements may also be requested if you have kidney stones

Test preparation needed?

Current practice does not require fasting or any other test preparation.

 

What is being tested?

Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body. About 99% of it is found in the bones, and most of the rest circulates in the blood. Roughly half of the calcium is referred to as 'free' (or 'ionized'), and is active within the body; the remaining half, referred to as 'bound' calcium, is attached to protein and other compounds and is inactive.

Most commonly, doctors measure the total amount of calcium in the blood (called total calcium); this measures both the active and inactive forms of calcium. If measurement of the active form of calcium (ionized calcium) is needed, special sample handling is required. Urine calcium tells how much calcium is being excreted by the kidneys.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm. A urine specimen may be required if your blood calcium concentration is abnormal or if you have kidney stones, a timed collection is then preferred.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

Current practice does not require fasting or any other test preparation. However, it is advisable that prolonged tourniquet use and fist clenching during collection of the blood sample should be avoided as this may affect the result generated by the laboratory.