Calcium Test
Understanding
Bone Health
With Calcium
Test
The calcium test
is diagnostic test carried out to assess the levels of calcium in the blood and
overall body. Calcium is a vital mineral in the body as it plays a crucial role
in the normal functioning and development of various process and organ systems.
It helps in the normal functioning of various physiological processes such as
bone health, muscle contractions, nerve transmissions, cellular signals, and
blood clotting, among others. The test assists healthcare provider in
determining and analysing the levels of calcium and identify any potential
imbalances that could point to any underlying health issues.
Overview of the Key Aspects of the Calcium Test:
Types of Calcium Test:
There are two
types of calcium tests routinely performed to measure the levels of calcium in
the blood and diagnose any related conditions.
● Total Calcium:
This test
measures both the forms of calcium - bound and protein-bound calcium levels in
the bloodstream. The total calcium test helps healthcare providers in assessing
overall health of the individual and detect any potential health issues. It is
crucial in assessment of bone health, early detection of bone disorders,
monitoring kidney function, and parathyroid gland function, among others.
● Ionised Calcium Test:
The test
measures the free, biologically active form of calcium in the blood. It helps
in accurate assessment of calcium status, rapid detection of imbalances,
monitor and regulate parathyroid gland functioning, monitor cardiovascular
function, and muscle function and nerve transmission, among others.
Procedure:
●
Before the test, the healthcare
provider may ask the patient to stop taking calcium-rich supplements or
medications.
●
After cleaning the area with an
antiseptic, the phlebotomist will take a sample of blood from the vein in the
arm of the patient.
●
The amount of blood then
collected in the tube lined with anticoagulants depends on the number of tests
ordered by the healthcare provider.
●
Once the blood sample is
collected, the needle is removed and a cotton ball or sterile gauze pad is
placed over the puncture.
●
The blood sample is then sent
to the laboratory for processing and analysis.
●
If ionised calcium testing
needs to be carried out, the sample is often handled and processed differently
to prevent any interference or changes in the ionised calcium levels.
●
The test results are often
available within a few days depending on the test required and the healthcare
provider then interprets the results.
●
If any abnormalities or
imbalance is found in the results, the healthcare providers will then determine
whether further testing is required.
Benefits:
●
Rapid and relatively painless
●
Helps in accurate assessment of
bone health and determining conditions such as osteoporosis
●
Helps in diagnosis and
monitoring conditions related to parathyroid gland, kidney, and cardiovascular
system
●
Helps in diagnosis of low
calcium levels related conditions such as muscle cramps, bone pain, fatigue,
and abnormalities in heart rhythm
Patients must
inform their healthcare provider if they are taking any medications or
supplements rich in calcium as it can affect the results of test. Patients must
also inform if they’ve undergone any medical procedures or treatments recently
that might affect the levels of calcium in the body. Patients must also inform
their healthcare providers if they are pregnant or experiencing menopause as
these conditions can cause hormonal changes and lead to imbalance in calcium
levels. Patients must avoid engaging in intense physical exercise or workout
before the test as it can affect the levels of calcium in the blood.
