Calcium

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab, Hudson, Lakeview, Regions, Sartell, Westfields

Test Code

0109

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: CA

CPT Codes
82310

Preferred Specimen

0.2 mL Lithium Heparin Plasma (light green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum (gold-top, red-top, red/gray-top), Lithium Heparin (light green-top) on ICE

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 22 days
Frozen: 1 year

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Hospital: Daily
Clinics: Monday - Friday

Report Available

Same day.

Limitations

Blood from patients receiving hypaque radiogrophic contrast agent can not be used. Suramin, an antiparasitic drug has been reported to cause a bias of -10% in calcium results.

Reference Range

8.4 - 10.2 mg/dL
Critical Low: <= 6.6 mg/dL
Critical High: >= 12.9 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.

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.