5 Signs You Need to Get a Calcium Test Done
Regular monitoring of calcium levels is essential for overall health and wellness. A calcium serum test can help identify imbalances that may indicate underlying health conditions.
Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in your body, playing a critical role in various functions. It strengthens teeth and bones, regulates blood vessel expansion and contraction, supports muscle function, aids in hormone release, facilitates nerve signal transmission, and is essential for blood clotting. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain optimal calcium levels in your blood. A calcium serum test is a blood test that measures the amount of calcium in your bloodstream. Continue reading to learn more about the serum calcium test price and when it should be done.
What is a Calcium Serum Test?
A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in your blood. There are two types of calcium blood tests:
- Total Calcium: This test measures the calcium attached to certain proteins in your blood as well as “free” or unattached calcium. Total calcium is often included in a routine blood screening called basic metabolic panel (BMP).
- Ionised Calcium: This test specifically measures the calcium that is unattached or “free” from proteins in your blood.
At Apollo 24|7, the serum calcium test price is just ₹250*. It’s important to note that a calcium blood test does not indicate the amount of calcium in your bones. Your healthcare provider can assess your bone health using a type of X-ray known as a bone density test (DEXA scan).
When to Get a Calcium Serum Test Done?
Here are five signs that indicate the need for you to get a calcium serum test done.
1. Symptoms of High Calcium Levels: An important reason to get a calcium serum test done is if you experience symptoms of high calcium (hypercalcemia), which include:
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Intense thirst
- Stomach pain
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Headache
2. Symptoms of Low Calcium Levels: The test should also be done if you experience symptoms of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), which include:
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Seizures
- Dry, scaly skin
- Confusion
- Brittle nails
- Depression
3. Conditions Affecting Calcium Levels: Your healthcare provider may order a calcium test if you have a medical condition that could impact your calcium levels. Numerous medical conditions can affect your blood calcium levels, including:
- Kidney disease
- Parathyroid conditions
- Thyroid disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Malnutrition, especially too much or too little vitamin D and/or calcium in your diet
- Bone disease
- Nerve problem
- Pancreatitis
4. Medications Affecting Calcium Levels: Your doctor will ask you to get this test done if you take certain medications that affect your calcium levels. These medications include:
- Corticosteroids
- Bisphosphonates
- Rifampin
- Chloroquine
- Calcitonin
- Cinacalcet
- Foscarnet
- Denosumab
- Plicamycin
- Lithium
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and other thiazide diuretics
5. Abnormal EKG Test Results: You may also be asked to get a calcium serum test done if you have an EKG heart test with certain abnormalities.
Ideal Calcium Serum Test Results
Typically, a normal blood calcium level for adults ranges from 8.5 to 10.2 milligrams per decilitre (2.15 to 2.55 millimoles per litre). However, this range can vary slightly between different laboratories. It’s important not to compare values from one lab with the reference ranges from another. The report will include the normal blood calcium range for that specific laboratory. If you have any questions or concerns about your results, then it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider.
What Do Calcium Serum Test Results Mean?
If your test results show higher-than-normal calcium levels in your blood, then it might suggest the presence of:
- Lung diseases such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Lung cancer
- Kidney failure
- Breast cancer
- Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
- Certain blood cancers
- Multiple myeloma
- Paget’s disease of the bone
Conversely, lower-than-normal calcium levels may indicate:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Kidney failure (renal failure)
- Pancreatitis
- Hypomagnesemia
- Celiac disease or other conditions that cause malabsorption
Note: Keep in mind that abnormal calcium levels don’t always point to a medical condition. Certain medications can also affect your blood calcium levels.
All in all, maintaining optimal calcium levels is vital for overall health and well-being. Monitoring your calcium levels through a calcium serum testis essential for detecting imbalances that could indicate underlying health issues.
