Calcium is an essential mineral for the body, and a calcium blood test is used to measure the amount of calcium in the blood. This test is important for diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to calcium levels, such as hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and kidney disease.
What is Calcium and What Does it Do?
Calcium is a mineral found in the body that is essential for many bodily functions. It helps build strong bones and teeth, aids in muscle contraction, and helps regulate the heart’s rhythm. It also helps with nerve transmission and blood clotting.
Why Do I Need a Calcium Blood Test?
Your doctor may order a calcium blood test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your calcium levels, such as hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or kidney disease. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.
Who Performs a Calcium Blood Test?
A calcium blood test is usually performed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or lab technician.
How Do I Prepare for a Calcium Blood Test?
No special preparation is needed for a calcium blood test. However, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or vitamins that could affect your calcium levels.
What Should I Expect During My Calcium Blood Test?
During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The sample will then be sent to a lab for analysis.
What Should I Expect After My Calcium Blood Test?
After the test, you may experience some minor bruising or discomfort at the site where the blood was drawn. This should go away within a few days.
What Are the Risks of a Calcium Blood Test?
A calcium blood test is generally considered safe and carries few risks. The most common risk is minor bruising or discomfort at the site where the blood was drawn.
What Do the Results of a Calcium Blood Test Mean?
The results of a calcium blood test will show the amount of calcium in your blood. Normal calcium levels are between 8.5 and 10.2 mg/dL. A high calcium level may indicate hyperparathyroidism, while a low calcium level may indicate hypoparathyroidism.
Should I Be Concerned if I Have High or Low Blood Calcium Results?
If your calcium levels are outside of the normal range, you should talk to your doctor about the results. They may recommend further testing or treatment.
When Should I Know the Results of My Calcium Blood Test?
The results of a calcium blood test are usually available within a few days. Your doctor will contact you with the results.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
If you have any questions or concerns about your calcium blood test, you should contact your doctor.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Calcium Blood Test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/calcium-blood-test/about/pac-20393517
- Lab Tests Online. (2020). Calcium, Serum. Retrieved from https://labtestsonline.org/tests/calcium-serum
- WebMD. (2020). Calcium Blood Test. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/calcium-blood-test#1
Keywords: calcium blood test, calcium levels, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease