Calcium Blood Test

$69
Sample Type:
Blood
Age: 18+
Collection Method: Visit a Labcorp Location
HSA/FSA Accepted

Beyond building strong bones, calcium is essential to your health.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and contributes to the growth and development of bones, regulates muscle contraction (including the beating of your heart), and plays a significant role in blood clotting.

Calcium is found in a variety of foods including milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, figs, broccoli, spinach, nuts, and seeds. Several drinks, including soy milk and orange juice, offer versions fortified with calcium.

This test measures the total amount of calcium in the blood to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a range of health conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth. It’s important to note that taking medications such as lithium, antacids, diuretics, and vitamin D supplements can affect the accuracy of your results. 

Preparation

Certain medications, multivitamins, and supplements can interfere with test results. Please see test description.

What's Included

Calcium

A mineral essential to bone and muscle health.

Why Consider This Test

Affects Bone Health
Affects Bone Health

When you’re not getting enough calcium whether it’s from not ingesting enough or poor absorption, the body takes the calcium it needs to maintain calcium in your blood from your bones. Over time, this can weaken your bones.1

Sluggish Symptoms
Sluggish Symptoms

High blood levels of serum calcium often do not cause symptoms, but when significantly elevated they can cause constipation and lethargy. Low levels of calcium can cause insomnia or sleepiness, extreme fatigue, lethargy, and an overall feeling of sluggishness.2

Age Increases Risk
Age Increases Risk

Many people are at an increased risk of calcium deficiency as they age. This deficiency may be due to a variety of factors, including:2

•  Medications that may decrease calcium absorption
•  Hormonal changes, especially in women
•  Certain genetic factors

References

  1. Nordqvist, Christian. “Calcium: Health Benefits, Foods, and Deficiency.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 21 Aug. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248958.php.
  2. Barhum, Lana. “What Happens When Calcium Levels Are Low?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321865.php. Last Reviewed May 21, 2018.