Calcium (Ca) in Blood

Blood Calcium

What To Think About

• More than one blood test may be needed to see if blood calcium levels are too high.
• Low blood levels of calcium may be caused by low levels of protein (albumin) in the blood, because about half of all calcium in the blood is attached to albumin. For this reason, an ionized calcium level (which is not attached to albumin) and a blood albumin level may also be measured. For more information, see the medical test Total Serum Protein.
• Other tests that may be done to find the cause of abnormal blood calcium levels include blood tests for parathyroid hormone (PTH), chloride, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D. For more information, see the medical tests Parathyroid Hormone and Alkaline Phosphatase.
• Because calcium affects how the heart works, a high or low blood calcium level may be the cause of abnormal results on an electrocardiogram (EKG) test. A blood calcium test will be done to help find the cause of the abnormal EKG results.
• Calcium levels can also be checked in the urine. For more information, see the medical test Calcium (Ca) in Urine.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: September 29, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Tushar J. Vachharajani, MD, FASN, FACP - Nephrology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.