Calcium
CPT Code(s):
82310
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Calcium holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and endocrinology. This test measures the level of calcium in a patient's blood, providing valuable information about calcium homeostasis and its potential implications for various physiological processes.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Calcium include:
1. Assessment of Calcium Imbalances: Calcium is primarily used to assess calcium imbalances in the body. Calcium plays a crucial role in numerous physiological functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate underlying conditions such as hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which may be caused by disorders of the parathyroid glands, kidney dysfunction, vitamin D deficiencies, or certain medications.
2. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Bone Disorders: Calcium levels are closely linked to bone health. Calcium helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Paget's disease, which can affect bone density and calcium metabolism. Low calcium levels may suggest inadequate bone mineralization, while high levels may indicate excessive bone breakdown or other bone-related disorders.
3. Evaluation of Parathyroid Function: The parathyroid glands play a key role in regulating calcium levels. Calcium assists in evaluating the function of the parathyroid glands and identifying conditions such as primary hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. Elevated calcium levels combined with high or low parathyroid hormone levels can indicate abnormalities in parathyroid function.
4. Monitoring Certain Medical Conditions and Treatments: Calcium is used to monitor certain medical conditions and treatments that can affect calcium levels. For example, patients with chronic kidney disease or those undergoing dialysis may experience abnormalities in calcium levels. Additionally, monitoring calcium levels in patients receiving certain medications (e.g., calcium supplements, diuretics) or treatments (e.g., cancer therapies, hormone replacement therapy) can help ensure optimal dosing and minimize adverse effects.
5. Evaluation of Symptoms: Calcium is helpful in evaluating symptoms associated with abnormal calcium levels. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may include muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, seizures, or arrhythmias, while symptoms of hypercalcemia can include fatigue, excessive thirst, bone pain, kidney stones, or confusion. Measuring calcium levels aids in determining whether these symptoms are related to calcium imbalances and guides further diagnostic investigations.
In summary, Calcium has specific clinical significance in assessing calcium imbalances, diagnosing and monitoring bone disorders, evaluating parathyroid function, monitoring medical conditions and treatments, and evaluating symptoms related to abnormal calcium levels. By measuring calcium levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage various conditions related to calcium metabolism and ensure optimal patient care.