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Alternative names Return to top
Urinary Ca+2Definition Return to top
This test measures the amount of calcium in urine. All cells require calcium for numerous functions. Calcium is especially important in the structure of bones and in neuromuscular activity.
A deficiency of calcium in the body fluids causes hyperexcitable nerves and muscles. Excess calcium has the opposite effect. Calcium is also an important component of kidney stones. Urinary calcium levels may therefore help identify causes of kidney stone formation.
How the test is performed Return to top
A 24-hour urine sample is generally needed:Your doctor will instruct you, if necessary, to stop taking any drugs that may interfere with the test.
For infants, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on your infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Place a diaper over the infant (bag and all). The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. For active infants, this procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing an inability to obtain the specimen. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion. The lab analyzes the sample for calcium content.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performed Return to top
Calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor diseases of the bone or calcium regulation disorders (that is, diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys). Urinary calcium levels aid the clinician in understanding how the kidneys handle calcium in certain disease states involving calcium balance including diseases of the parathyroid gland. Urinary calcium levels are also essential in the medical evaluation of kidney stones.Normal Values Return to top
If a person is eating a normal diet, the expected amount of calcium in the urine is 100 to 300 mg/day. If eating a diet low in calcium, the amount of calcium in the urine will be 50 to 150mg/day.
Note: mg/day = milligrams per day
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results are indicated as follows:
Increased or inappropriately high levels of urine calcium may indicate:
What the risks are Return to top
There are no risks.Special considerations Return to top
There are some drugs that may interfere with this test. Drugs that may increase urine calcium measurements include: antacids, anticonvulsants, carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretics, and loop diuretics. Drugs that may decrease urine calcium measurements include: adrenocorticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and thiazide diuretics. Update Date: 2/19/2004 Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Andrew Koren, M.D., Department of Nephrology, NYU-Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/21/2002).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |