Calcium Test At Home
Calcium is one of the essential mineral which is necessary for life. It is essential for the proper functioning of muscles to contract, nerves and our heart to beat. Calcium helps in blood clotting. 99% calcium is present in our bones and teeth. Calcium does not only assisting Calcium test measures the amount of calcium in the urine or blood, which indicates the total and ionized calcium in the body. The amount of calcium in urine tells how much calcium the kidneys are eliminating. Since calcium is so vital for body functioning, its level needs to be normal rowing new bones but also in maintaining bone strength. Calcium also acts as an ingredient in many antacids. In some cases, calcium can help prevent or control high BP.
Types Of Calcium Tests
There are two types of tests to measure blood calcium:- Total Calcium Test and Ionized Calcium Test. The total calcium test, measures both free and bound forms whereas, the ionized calcium test only measures the free. A total calcium test generally comes under the routine health screening. In most people, it gives the right reflection of the amount of free calcium present in the blood. But in some cases, total calcium does not provide a right reflection of calcium stage.
Symptoms that suggests Calcium Tests
- Kidney Stones
- Bone Disease
- Neurologic Disorders
What Tests Preparation Required?
Your doctor may ask you fast or stop taking some medications or supplements that you’re currently taking. Make sure your doctor is aware of the medications or supplements you’re currently taking so that they can give you proper guidance before your test. Consuming a great amount food or drinks that contains calcium can affect the result.
What Is The Test Procedure?
The procedure for calcium test is very simple, the healthcare provider will draw blood sample from your arm and will send it to the lab. The blood draw should take less than 5 minutes. You may feel a slight pinch.
Is There Any Risk Affiliated To The Calcium Test?
There is no major risk affiliated to Calcium test. You may have some slight pain in your arm, but the symptoms will go in quicktime.
What Do The Test Results Mean?
In case the result is higher than the normal calcium level, it may imply certain types of cancer, overuse of antacids that contains calcium, too much vitamin D in your diet, staying in bed for too long, tuberculosis(a lung disease). If your result shows lower than the normal calcium level, it may imply kidney problems, magnesium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, too much phosphorus, pancreatitis. After the result is out, talk to your doctor first and ask what to do next.
Calcium Test Description
- UNITS: mg/dl
- TECHNOLOGY: PHOTOMETRY
- FASTING TYPE: NON FASTING
- SAMPLE TYPE: SERUM
- VOLUME: 1ml
- NORMAL RANGE: 8.8 – 10.6