Serum calcium

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Serum calcium

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Ca+2; Calcium - serum; Ca++

How the test is performed:

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.

For an 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:

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.

How the test will feel:

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:

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

Review Date: 3/13/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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