A calcium blood work determines the amount of calcium in the blood. If the level of calcium is too high or too little, then it may indicate a sign of a broad spectrum of health conditions including bone damage, thyroid disease, parathyroid disorders, and kidney disease to name a few.

Calcium is one of the vital minerals in the system, and around 1% calcium is found in the blood. While the rest is stored in the bones and teeth. Maintaining the right amount of calcium in the blood is essential for the nerves, muscles, and heart to function well. Further, it also aids blood vessels in moving blood via the body and assists the release of hormones that may affect several important bodily functions.
calcium

Also Read: Calcium: Functions, Food Sources, Supplements, Deficiencies And Toxicity

What Is The Purpose Of The Test?

Generally, a blood calcium test is done to assess the overall health status of a person. It’s also used to diagnose or evaluate numerous medical problems including conditions that affect bones, kidneys, gut, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.

There are two types of calcium blood tests which measure different kinds of blood calcium.

The total calcium test determines all the calcium present in the blood. The two types of blood calcium are usually present in equal quantities.

"Bound calcium" is connected to proteins in the blood.

"Free calcium" also called ionized calcium is not attached to proteins. This type of blood calcium is actively involved in several body functions.

The human body strictly regulates the balance of both bound and ionized calcium; thus, a total calcium test provides an estimate of how much ionised calcium a person has.

A total calcium test is the most common blood calcium test done. It’s mostly done as part of the routine basic metabolic panel (BMP) and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

An ionized calcium test determines only the “free calcium” in the blood that is not connected to proteins. This test is difficult to perform, so it’s generally done if the results of the total calcium test are abnormal. A person may need this test, if he has a condition that affects the body’s ability to properly balance the amounts of ionized and bound calcium in the blood or if you are severely ill or posted for surgery.

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Who Needs A Calcium Blood Test?

Your doctor may recommend a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, which includes a calcium blood test as part of regular health checkups. It is also suggested to diagnose or assess conditions that can affect blood calcium or if you exhibit symptoms of abnormal calcium levels.

Also Read: Calcium - Important Mineral For Women's Health

Symptoms Of High Calcium Levels Include:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Poor appetite
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Confusion

Symptoms Of Low Calcium Levels Include:

  • Dry skin, coarse hair, and brittle nails 
  • Muscle cramps, or stiffness
  • Numbness in the lips, tongue, fingers, or feet
  • Arrhythmia 

Generally, most people with low or high calcium levels don’t exhibit any symptoms. Healthcare providers may suggest a calcium test if you have a known medical problem that may affect calcium levels:

  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid or parathyroid disease
  • Malnutrition
  • Problems absorbing calcium
  • Certain types of cancer

Procedure

A lab technician or phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm, using a needle. About 5ml of blood sample is collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a mild sting when the needle is inserted. The whole test takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Preparation For The Test

There is no specific preparation needed for calcium blood work. Your doctor may ask you to avoid taking certain medications or supplements like Vitamin D, to ensure test results are accurate. Any specific instructions if needed will be informed by your doctor.

Risks 

There is no or very little risk of getting a blood test. You may have mild pain or bruising at the sight where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms settle away quickly.

What Does The Results Mean?

A higher value of total calcium test may be a sign of several types of health conditions including:

  • Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism), 
  • Certain types of cancer, including cancer that spreads to the bone
  • Bone disorders, including Paget's disease 
  • Taking too much vitamin D over an extended period
  • Total calcium values that are lower than normal may be a sign of:
  • Low protein levels in the blood due to liver disease or malnutrition
  • Underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism)
  • Poor calcium diet
  • Very little vitamin D or magnesium
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease

If your test results are not within the normal range, it doesn’t always indicate that you have health anomalies that need treatment. Your diet and certain medications can impact calcium levels, discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.