Public Lab

Calcium level (Total )

Rate: Rs. 150

Sample

This test is done on the serum of patient., and blood should be collected without much pressure on arm.

EDTA can not be used as the anticoagulant for the plasma.

Obtain blood with minimal venous occlusion and without exercise or after restorating circulation.

Its low level may lead to tetany.

Normal level:

Older than one 1 year : 8.4 mg to 10.2 mg/dL.

Infant to one month : 7.0 to 11.5 mg/dL.

One month to one year : 8.6 to 10.2 mg/ dL.

Physiology of Calcium

Normally the level of calcium in the blood is carefully controlled. When blood calcium levels get low Hypocalcemia, the bones release calcium to bring it back to a good blood level. When blood calcium levels get high Hypercalcemia, the extra calcium is stored in the bones or passed out of the body in stool and urine.

Daily intake of about 400 mg is needed by the body.

PTH increases the serum calcium level by increasing bone resorptionand mobilizing Calcium.

Hypercalcemia may be seen in the following conditions:

1.Hyperparathyroidism

2.Metastatic bone tumor

3.Milk-alkali syndrome

4.Multiple myeloma

5.Paget’s disease

6.Sarcoidosis

7.Tumors producing a PTH-like substance

8.Vitamin D intoxication

9.Excessive calcium intake

10.Prolonged immobilization

11.Thiazide diuretics

Hypocalcemia may be seen in following conditions:

1.Hypoparathyroidism

2.Malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)

3.Osteomalacia

4.Pancreatitis

5.Renal failure

6.Rickets and vitamin D deficiency

7.Liver disease (decreased albumin production)

Acute hypo or hypercalcemia can be life threatining.