Calcium, Serum
Bone · Blood
Available in:Hisar
Available at 1 lab
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₹150₹130
About this test
What is Serum Calcium?
Serum calcium is a blood test that measures the amount of calcium circulating in the blood. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling and blood clotting.
Key Parameters
| Parameter | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Total serum calcium | Overall calcium level (bound + free) |
| Ionized calcium (if measured) | The biologically active, free calcium that is directly involved in physiological processes |
Why It Is Done
- Routine health check‑ups
- Evaluation of symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, or tingling
- Monitoring of chronic conditions like kidney disease, parathyroid disorders, or bone diseases
- Assessment before certain surgeries or medications that affect calcium balance
Early Detection
This test can help identify signs of hypercalcemia (high calcium) or hypocalcemia (low calcium), but it does not diagnose a disease on its own. A doctor interprets the result together with symptoms, history, and other tests.
What Abnormal Results May Indicate
- High calcium: hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, vitamin D toxicity, dehydration, or certain medications
- Low calcium: hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, malnutrition, or medication side‑effects
Many factors—hydration, diet, medications, time of day—can influence calcium levels.
Who Might Be Advised to Get This Test
- Adults with unexplained muscle weakness or cramps
- Patients with kidney or parathyroid disorders
- Individuals on medications that affect calcium (e.g., steroids, diuretics)
- People undergoing bone density evaluation or pre‑operative assessment
Quick Takeaway
Serum calcium measures the amount of calcium in your blood, helping doctors spot potential bone, kidney, or hormonal issues early.
Used for detecting / monitoring
Before your test
- Fasting: No fasting required for serum calcium.
- If combined with fasting tests: Follow the longest fasting period required (usually 8–12 hours).
- Procedure: A healthcare professional will clean the arm area, insert a needle into a vein, and draw blood into a vial. The process takes about 5 minutes.
- What to expect: A brief pinch or sting from the needle; no significant discomfort.
- Precautions: Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol or strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test if you are on medications that affect calcium.
- Note: Confirm specific preparation instructions with your doctor or the lab. This information is general educational content and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sample type: Blood
Report parameter guide
Serum Calcium
The level of calcium in the liquid part of the blood, reflecting the amount of calcium available for the body’s functions
Low: May indicate low calcium intake, malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, or prolonged low protein intake
High: May indicate hyperparathyroidism, excessive calcium or vitamin D intake, bone breakdown, kidney disease, malignancy, or certain medications