Ionized Calcium

Message

Specimen must be tested within 30 minutes of draw. Unless kept at 0-4°C, then the specimen is stable for up to 3 days.

Test Code

CAION

CPT Codes
82330

Preferred Specimen

Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

Other Acceptable Specimens

SST

Reference Range

4.5-5.4 mg/dL

Critical value (automatic call-back): <3.3 or >6.0 mg/d

Clinical Significance

Ionized calcium measurements are used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of conditions including, but not limited to, parathyroid disease, a variety of bone diseases, chronic renal disease, tetany, and disturbances related to surgical and intensive care. Measurements of ionized calcium have proven of value under the following clinical conditions: transfusion of citrated blood, liver transplantation, open heart surgery, neonatal hypocalcemia, renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, hypertension and pancreatitis. Although most of the calcium in blood is bound to protein or complexed to smaller anionic species, the biologically active fraction of calcium is free ionized calcium. Through its role in a number of enzymatic reactions and in membrane transport mechanisms, ionized calcium is vitally important in blood coagulation, nerve conduction, neuromuscular transmission and in muscle contraction.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.