|
|
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Calcium
Test Code38443
CPT Codes
82310<br>Limited Access Code
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin (green-top) tube, or plasma separator tube
Instructions
Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer serum to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial(s).
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Methodology
Spectrophotometric
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
| Age | Males (mg/dL) | Females (mg/dL) |
| <1 month | 8.4-10.6 | 8.4-10.6 |
| 1-11 months | 8.7-10.5 | 8.7-10.5 |
| 1-3 years | 8.5-10.6 | 8.5-10.6 |
| 4-19 years | 8.9-10.4 | 8.9-10.4 |
| 20-49 years | 8.6-10.3 | 8.6-10.2 |
| ≥ 50 years | 8.6-10.3 | 8.6-10.4 |
Clinical Significance
Calcium is involved in the regulation of neuromuscular and enzyme activity, bone metabolism, and blood coagulation. Calcium blood levels are controlled by a complex interaction of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin, and adrenal cortical steroids. Calcium measurements are useful in the diagnosis of parathyroid disease, some bone disorders, and chronic renal disease. A low level of calcium results in tetany.
