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Calcium - ionized

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood test
Blood test

Alternative Names    Return to top

Free calcium; Ionized calcium

Definition    Return to top

Ionized calcium is calcium that is freely flowing in your blood and not attached to proteins. It is also called free calcium.

All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. It is important for heart function, and helps with muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

This article discusses the test used to measure the amount of ionized calcium in blood.

See also: Serum calcium

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Your health care provider will take blood sample from you. See: Venipuncture

A machine spins the blood to separate the cells from the liquid part of the blood (the serum). The amount of ionized calcium found in the serum is measured.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

You should not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the test. Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking any drugs that can affect the test results. Calcium salts, hydralazine, lithium, thiazide diuretics, and thyroxine can increase your level of ionized calcium.

Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of kidney or parathyroid disease. The test may also be done to monitor persons who have already been diagnosed with such diseases.

Usually, blood tests measure your total calcium level, which looks at both ionized calcium and calcium attached to proteins. You may need to have a separate ionized calcium test if you have factors that increase or decrease calcium levels. For example, if you have abnormal amounts of albumin or immunoglobulins.

Normal Results    Return to top

Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Greater-than-normal levels may be due to:

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:

References    Return to top

Fukagawa M, Kurokawa K, Papadakis MA. Fluid & electrolyte disorders. In: McPhee SJ, Papadakis MA, Tierney LM Jr. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2007. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2007.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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