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Calcium, Total
Test Code38443
CPT Codes
82310<br>Limited Access Code
Preferred Specimen
1 mL plasma collected in a plasma separator tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Centrifuge plasma specimens within 1 hour of collection, transfer plasma 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
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unspun plasma separator tube; Unspun green-top tube (heparinized plasma not separated from cells); Anticoagulants other than lithium heparin, sodium heparin or fluoride/oxalate
Methodology
Spectrophotometric
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 1-2 days
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.
