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A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in your blood. It is one of the essential minerals in your body. Calcium is stored within your bones. Measuring and determining the level of calcium in the blood gives a general idea about bones and teeth health.

This standard test is popularly known as the ionized calcium blood test. Through the test, doctors measure the amount of free calcium in the blood. Here, free is referred to as calcium, which moves freely within the blood without forming any bond.

If your healthcare provider asks you to take a calcium test, you should get it done from a reputed lab like Metropolis India. Their calcium test price is affordable and the results are accurate.

What is the Purpose of a Calcium Test?

Doctors usually recommend a calcium test for the following purposes:

  • For diagnosing or monitoring any bone disease.
  • For routine or regular health checkups.
  • When significant symptoms of high or low calcium levels are detected.
  • For determining the function of the heart, nerves, and muscles.

What is a Calcium Test Score?

A calcium test score is a coronary calcium scan that explicitly detects the calcium deposit within the heart’s coronary arteries. The calcium test score is typically seen through computerized tomography.

What are the Symptoms of High Calcium Levels?

Here is a comprehensive listing of some of the symptoms that show high levels of calcium present in the blood:

  • Bone pain
  • Weakness
  • Low appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Frequent urination
  • Abdominal pains
  • Constipation

What are the Symptoms of Low Calcium Levels?

Some of the typical symptoms that indicate low levels of calcium in the blood:

  • Numbness
  • Cramps in your abdomen or muscles
  • Irregular heartbeat

How to Prepare for a Calcium Blood Test?

There is no special preparation for a calcium blood test. However, there are certain things your doctor might recommend.

  • Your healthcare provider might ask you to stop certain medications before taking the test, like supplements, antacids, Vitamin D supplements, and diuretics.
  • It is better not to consume a calcium-rich diet before the test. It may significantly affect your calcium test results.

Calcium Test – What is the Procedure?

The site of the puncture is thoroughly cleaned with antiseptic, and a band is tied above it. It helps in making the vein swell with blood. Then a blood sample is withdrawn from the veins of your arm and collected in a vial. After that, the band is removed, and the puncture site is covered with a band-aid.

Calcium Test – What are the Probable Risks Associated with it?

No significant risks or side effects are associated with calcium tests. However, during blood withdrawal, you might experience symptoms like:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Accumulation of blood under the skin

 These side effects are extremely rare and can sometimes occur because of vein puncture.

Calcium Test Results

The normal range of calcium tests typically falls between 8.5 mg/dL to 10.2 mg/dL. The normal values of the calcium test might differ from one laboratory to another.

  • Result Interpretation

The results of calcium test values typically fall under two distinctive values – normal and abnormal values.

  • Normal Result

If the calcium test value falls within the referral range, it indicates that your blood has normal calcium metabolism. It also reveals that there is normal regulation of blood levels.

  • Abnormal Result

The abnormal calcium result might either be higher or lower than the normal values. The values don’t fall under the referral range.

Reasons why the calcium test value is higher than normal:

  • Tumor in the bone
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Paget’s disease
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Milk-alkali syndrome
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Vitamin D intoxication
  • Addison’s disease
  • Thiazide diuretics

Some of the reasons why your calcium test results might show a value lower than normal are:

  • Malabsorption
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Pancreatitis
  • Renal failure
  • Osteomalacia
  • Liver diseases
  • Rickets and vitamin D deficiency
  • Low serum magnesium

Calcium Test Price

The calcium test price might significantly differ from lab to lab. It is normally in the range of Rs. 150 to Rs. 300. This price might differ from location to location. So before you get the test done, look up the exact price.

To Conclude

 It would be best to know that a low calcium result doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a medical condition. Some diets can typically decrease the calcium levels in your blood. It is best to consult a doctor for an analysis of your test results.

Also, Read other blogs on this site.

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