IONISED CALCIUM

An ionized calcium test measures the amount of calcium in your blood that is not attached to proteins, also known as free calcium. It's a separate test from the total calcium test, which measures all the calcium in your blood.

Ionized calcium test

When to get it

If you have signs of bone, kidney, liver, or parathyroid disease, or to monitor treatment for these conditions

Normal range

4.8–5.6 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults, 4.8–5.3 mg/dL for children

How it works

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm

Risks

There is very little risk to the test, but you may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site

A doctor may order an ionized calcium test if you have factors that can increase or decrease your total calcium levels, such as abnormal blood levels of albumin or immunoglobulins.