The primary way to check the amount of calcium in your body is through a calcium blood test. This common medical test measures the level of calcium circulating in your bloodstream.
Understanding the Calcium Blood Test
A calcium blood test is a simple procedure where a healthcare professional takes a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
According to MedlinePlus, a calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in your blood. Calcium is vital for many bodily functions, including nerve signaling, muscle function, blood clotting, and maintaining strong bones and teeth. While most of the body's calcium is stored in bones, the small amount in the blood is tightly regulated.
Why is the Test Performed?
Checking calcium levels can provide valuable insights into your overall health. As noted by MedlinePlus, if there is too much or too little calcium in the blood, it may be a sign of a wide range of medical conditions.
Conditions potentially indicated by abnormal calcium levels include:
- Bone disease
- Thyroid disease
- Parathyroid disorders (the parathyroid glands regulate blood calcium levels)
- Kidney disease
- Other various medical conditions
Monitoring blood calcium is crucial because these conditions can affect how your body uses and regulates calcium. The test helps healthcare providers diagnose potential issues or monitor existing conditions and the effectiveness of treatments.
What Do the Results Mean?
Blood calcium levels are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab, but healthcare providers will evaluate the results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test results.
- High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia): Can be caused by conditions like overactive parathyroid glands, certain types of cancer, or excessive vitamin D intake.
- Low Calcium Levels (Hypocalcemia): Can be caused by conditions like underactive parathyroid glands, kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, or pancreatitis.
Your doctor will interpret your specific results and discuss what they mean for your health.
