Calcium is necessary for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, among other functions. Calcium blood testing is a valuable diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of calcium in the bloodstream. This test serves multiple objectives in assessing overall health, diagnosing specific medical conditions, and monitoring treatment progress. In this article, we will delve into the importance of calcium blood testing, the techniques involved, and the interpretation of the results.
What Is Calcium?
Calcium is an important mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in the human body. It is necessary for blood clotting, muscle contraction, bone health, and nerve transmission.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin are two hormones that regulate the amount of calcium in your blood and bones. Because your body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium, it also helps to maintain calcium levels.
To evaluate the amounts of calcium in the bloodstream, a calcium blood test is an important diagnostic tool. The test is used to evaluate general health, identify particular medical issues, and track the effectiveness of treatment. We shall examine the value of calcium blood tests as well as the procedures used.
What Are the Types of Calcium Blood tests?
There are two types of calcium blood tests:
Total calcium: The amount of calcium in your blood that is “free” or not bound to any proteins is measured by this test. Total calcium includes a basic metabolic panel (BMP), a common blood screening test.
Ionized calcium: This test measures the calcium in your blood that is “free” or unattached to specific proteins.
Your bone mineral density cannot be determined by a calcium blood test. A bone density test (DEXA scan), a type of X-ray, can be used by your doctor to assess the condition of your bones.
What Are the Objectives of Calcium Blood Testing?
Assessing Bone Health: Calcium is a key component of bones, and measuring calcium levels in the blood can help determine how well your bones are. Calcium levels that are abnormal can be a sign of diseases like osteoporosis or hyperparathyroidism, which can cause fractures and a loss of bone density.
Diagnosing Calcium Disorders: Calcium blood tests help in the diagnosis of calcium-related disorders, such as hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). These illnesses need immediate assessment and management because they can cause many underlying health concerns.
Monitoring Kidney Function: The kidneys are responsible for controlling blood calcium levels. Calcium levels that are abnormal may be a sign of kidney disease, including kidney stones or poor renal function.
Detecting Parathyroid Disorders: The parathyroid glands are crucial for controlling calcium. Calcium blood testing identifies parathyroid problems, such as hyperparathyroidism, which causes an excessive release of calcium into the circulation.
Evaluating Vitamin D Levels: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D levels can be measured by calcium blood tests since a vitamin D deficit can affect calcium metabolism and bone health.
Also Read – 5 Important Blood Tests You Need Every Year
Signs and Symptoms of Different calcium disorders
Hypercalcemia, or having high calcium levels in the blood, can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort or diarrhoea
Hypocalcemia, or having very low calcium levels in the blood, can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Muscle cramps, especially in the legs and back.
- Rough and dry skin
- Cracked nails
- Confusion
- Either irritability or restlessness
- Depression
Test Results
Adults should typically have blood calcium levels between 8.5 and 10.2 milligrams per deciliter (2.15 and 2.55 millimoles per liter). However, the reference limits for normal blood calcium levels may vary among laboratories.
By measuring calcium levels in the bloodstream, healthcare professionals can gain crucial insights into a patient's overall health and identify potential underlying medical conditions. With the information obtained from calcium blood testing, appropriate medical interventions and treatments can be initiated to maintain the body's calcium balance and promote optimal health. Regular calcium blood testing is recommended, especially for individuals at risk of calcium-related disorders, to ensure early detection and timely management. As with any medical test, it is essential to discuss the results with a qualified healthcare provider for accurate interpretation and appropriate follow-up actions.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
