Serum Calcium (Total) with Mass Concentration Measurement
This test measures the amount of calcium in your blood serum, which is important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
["Check your blood calcium levels to help prevent bone diseases or identify conditions like low or high calcium."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50471-2
- Short code
- CALC3
- Synonyms
- Calcit sp3 SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma may be collected in EDTA or heparinized tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 8
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) or Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
- CPT
- 82308
- SNOMED
- 39595004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, or unusual bone pain. It can also be used to monitor conditions such as kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or certain cancers that affect calcium levels.
A normal result does not provide specific numeric ranges, as these can vary by lab and individual health. It simply indicates that the calcium level is within a general range considered typical for healthy adults.
Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) may suggest conditions like vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, or certain medications. High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) could be linked to conditions like hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or prolonged immobilization.
No special preparation is usually required, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed by your provider.
The test involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort.
Low calcium can result from dietary deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or kidney disorders. High calcium may stem from overactive thyroid, bone diseases, or prolonged exposure to certain medications.
The frequency depends on your health status. Routine adults typically don’t need calcium tests unless they have risk factors or symptoms.
Reference range
Varies by assay method and laboratory; generally males <8.0 pg/mL, females <5.0 pg/mL. Reference ranges for the 3rd specimen apply in serial testing context (e.g., pentagastrin or calcium stimulation test).N/A
No special preparation required for basal measurement. For stimulation testing, fasting for 8-12 hours may be required per institutional protocol. Avoid radioisotope studies prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Serum Calcium
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet affect calcium test results?
Is there any risk or side effect from having this blood test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy