Calcium, Total

Test Code
303


CPT Codes
82310

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma collected in: sodium or lithium heparin (green-top) tube


Instructions
Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer serum to a sterile, plastic, screw-capped vial.


Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days


Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day


Reference Range
  Male (mg/dL) Female (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
>49 years: 8.6-10.3 8.6-10.4


Clinical Significance
Serum 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 may result in tetany.




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.