Calcium test
A calcium test measures the amount of calcium in your blood, urine, or both. It can help diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including bone disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease.
There are different types of calcium tests, including:
Total calcium test
The most common test that measures the total amount of calcium in your blood. This test is usually a good reflection of the amount of free calcium in your blood, but in some cases it may not be.
Ionized calcium test
Measures the amount of calcium that is not attached to proteins in your blood. This test is often used for people who are critically ill, have blood protein abnormalities, or are receiving blood transfusions.
Calcium score test
A CT scan that measures your risk for a heart attack. The test involves lying on a table that slides into a scanner, and having small electrode patches placed on your chest.
A normal range for total blood calcium in adults is 8.5 to 10.3 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A normal ionized calcium level is usually between 4.6 to 5.3 mg/dL.
Test results can vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other factors. You should ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
