Calcium Test: Purpose, Results, Levels & Price [2024]

A calcium blood test measures the level of total calcium in the blood. It is one of the important minerals in your body which is mostly stored in the bones. By measuring the level of calcium in the blood we can have an idea of the general health of bones & teeth.

Another common test is called the ionised calcium blood test which measures the amount of “Free” calcium in the blood. Free refers to the calcium which is moving freely in the blood without making any bond.

Purpose of calcium test:

Some important purposes and uses of the test are:

• As a part of a routine health package.
• To monitor or diagnose any bone disease.
• To check the functioning of nerves, heart and muscles.
• Found symptoms of high calcium levels or low calcium levels like.

Calcium Test for heart

The calcium test score is a coronary calcium scan that detects the calcium deposit in the coronary (heart) arteries. This score is detected through computerized tomography.

Symptoms of High Calcium levels:

• Weakness
• Bone pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Low appetite
• Abdominal pains
• Frequent urination
• Constipation

Symptoms of Low Calcium levels:

• Cramps in your abdomen or muscles
• Numbness
• Irregular heartbeat.

Preparation of calcium blood test

There is no special preparation required for the test. However,

• Your doctor may ask to stop certain medications before the test like supplements, Vitamin D supplements, antacids, Diuretics
• Try not to take a calcium-rich diet prior to the test as it may affect the results.

The procedure of calcium test:

• The test is performed by withdrawing a sample of blood from the vein in the arms. 
• The site of puncture is cleaned with antiseptic and a band is tied on the upper arm. This makes the vein swell with blood.
• Blood is withdrawn with a syringe, collected and sent to the lab.
• The band is removed and the site of the puncture is covered with a bandage.

Risks:

There are no risks or side effects associated with the calcium test. While withdrawing blood a person may come across symptoms such as:

• Excessive bleeding 
• lightheadedness
• Accumulation of blood under the skin
• infection.

Although these side effects are very rare and occur due to vein puncture.

Results

Calcium test normal range lies somewhere in between 8.5 mg/dl to 10.2 mg/dl. Normal values may slightly differ in different laboratories.

Result interpretation:

The report of calcium test level falls under abnormal or normal values.

Normal result:

If the test value falls within the referral range then it indicates normal calcium metabolism and normal regulation of blood levels.

Abnormal result:

The abnormal calcium result may be higher than or lower than the normal values and doesn’t fall under the referral range Given below are the conditions that may cause calcium test levels higher or lower than the normal range.

Value higher than normal	A value lower than normal
Hyperparathyroidism	Hypoparathyroidism
Tumour in the bone	Malabsorption
Multiple myeloma	Renal failure
Paget’s disease	Pancreatitis
Sarcoidosis	Liver diseases
Milk-alkali syndrome	Osteomalacia
Addison’s disease	Low serum magnesium
Vitamin D intoxication	Rickets and vitamin D deficiency
Thiazide diuretics

Other methods to test calcium level

It is measured through ways depending upon the suspect of healthcare professional –

1. Calcium test urine is the measurement of calcium passed out of the body through urine.

It is done for the given reasons –

• To evaluate the level of calcium in the urine that may indicate chances of renal stone.
• To evaluate the dietary calcium intake.
• Determine the intestinal calcium absorption
• Evaluate the kidney function
• Detect problem in the parathyroid gland

2. Calcium test score is a coronary calcium scan that detects the calcium deposit in the coronary arteries. The calcium test score is detected through computerized tomography.

3. Calcium bone test is used to determine the calcium and mineral content in the bone. The test is done with a device called DEXA scan, a type of X-ray.

Calcium Test Price in India

Cost At Popular Labs:

Name of Lab	Test Price
Dr Lal Path labs	Rs 170 ( City-based )
Thyrocare	Rs 122
Metropolis Healthcare	Rs 150 ( City-based )
SRL Diagnostics	Rs 368

Cost in different cities

The calcium test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending upon the lab and the city.

City	Test Price
Delhi	Rs 100 to Rs 300
Mumbai	Rs 100 to Rs 150
Bangalore	Rs 100 to Rs 160
Hyderabad	Rs 100 to Rs 200
Gurgaon	Rs 100 to Rs 150
Chennai	Rs 108 to Rs 150