Total Calcium

Total Calcium test is used to assist in diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring calcium levels in the body. This analysis requires a serum sample obtained from venous blood. IntroLab laboratory in Vračar proudly offers highly affordable pricing for blood calcium tests. At the same time, our team of experts possesses the knowledge and adequate equipment to perform this analysis efficiently.

What is Total Calcium?

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, the heart, and blood clotting, as well as in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. The total calcium test reflects the amount of ionized calcium in the body, which is the biologically active form of calcium.

In the human body, the majority of calcium (about 99%) is found in bones in the form of hydroxyapatite. The rest is present in extracellular fluid, where approximately 50% of calcium is ionized and biologically active, about 40% is bound to proteins and around 10% forms complexes with other substances.

The level of total calcium depends on various factors, including the concentration of albumin in the plasma and the pH value of the blood. Protein binding and the concentration of calcium in the serum are crucial factors for regulating calcium balance in the body.

What are the indications for the total Calcium test?

A total calcium test is indicated when there is suspicion of osteomalacia and/or osteoporosis.

Interpreting the results

Low calcium levels can occur due to insufficient calcium reabsorption or a lack of vitamin D3. They are also observed in chronic kidney insufficiency, hypoparathyroidism, or when there are low concentrations of albumin in the serum.

Elevated calcium levels, known as hypercalcemia, can occur due to hormonal regulation disorders, increased release from the bones, or vitamin D poisoning. Higher than normal levels are also present in certain conditions, such as sarcoidosis.