Calcium

Test Code

CALCM

CPT Codes
82310

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

This test is for measurement of Calcium on Plasma or Serum. For measurement of Calcium on Body Fluids, order MISCA. For measurement of Calcium on Urine, order URCA.

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 4 hours; Refrigerated - 22 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Do not use blood on patients receiving EDTA therapy. Blood from patients receiving Hypaque radiographic contrast agent cannot be used. Suramin, an antiparasitic drug, has been reported to cause a bias of -10% in calcium results at a suramin concentration of 300 Î¼g/mL. Results from recumbent patients may be 3% lower. Blood collected with stasis may have calcium concentrations 15% higher.

Reference Range

Birth - 1 Month: 7.0 - 11.0 mg/dL
1 Month - Adult: 8.4 - 10.2 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Calcium is the major mineral component of bone; 99% of the body’s calcium is in bone. Calcium ions play an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses and in maintaining normal muscle contraction. Abnormal concentrations of serum calcium may indicate malfunction of the parathyroid glands, bone diseases, carcinoma, malnutrition and malabsorption syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, overdose with calcium-containing antacids, and renal diseases.

This test is for measurement of Calcium on Plasma or Serum. For measurement of Calcium on Body Fluids, order MISCA. For measurement of Calcium on Urine, order URCA.

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.