MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Serum calcium

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Serum calcium

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Alternative names

Ca+2; Calcium - serum; Ca++

Definition Return to top

Serum calcium is a blood test that measures calcium in serum. Serum calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor diseases of the bone or calcium regulation disorders (diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys).

How the test is performed Return to top

Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Drugs that can cause increased measurements in this test include calcium salts (for example, in nutritional supplements or antacids), vitamin D, lithium, thiazide diuretics, and thyroxine. Consult your health care provider regarding the need to discontinue drugs that may affect this test.

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed Return to top

All cells require calcium for numerous functions. Calcium is especially important in the structure of bones and in the neuromuscular activity. A deficiency of calcium in the body fluids causes hyperexcitable nerves and muscles. Excess calcium has the opposite effect.

Normal Values Return to top

Normal values range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results indicate the following:

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

Hyperparathyroidism
Metastatic bone tumor
Milk-alkali syndrome
Multiple myeloma
Paget's disease
Sarcoidosis
Tumors producing a PTH-like substance
Vitamin D intoxication

Lower than normal levels may indicate:

Hypoparathyroidism
Malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)
Osteomalacia
Pancreatitis
Renal failure
Rickets and vitamin D deficiency

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are Return to top

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations Return to top

An excess ingestion of milk or vitamin D as a dietary supplement can increase calcium levels.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Update Date: 2/11/2004

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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