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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, Total
Test Code303
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
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.