Calciumbldcoscnc
A blood test measuring calcium levels in the umbilical cord blood to assess the newborn's calcium status.
{"Cord blood calcium measures the calcium level in blood from the umbilical cord after birth","It helps evaluate the newborn's calcium status and detect potential hypocalcemia","This test is commonly performed on babies born to diabetic mothers, preterm infants, or those with symptoms of low calcium","Normal cord blood calcium levels are typically higher than adult blood calcium levels","Low cord blood calcium may require calcium supplementation for the newborn"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54365-2
- Short code
- CA-CORD
- Synonyms
- Calcium BldCo-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender top (EDTA) tube or green top (heparin) tube for whole blood
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 2.8
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 3.25 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–0 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or spectrophotometric method (Arsenazo III)
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271565004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours. Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection if plasma/serum separation needed.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Cord Blood Calcium test measures the amount of calcium in the blood taken from the umbilical cord immediately after birth. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord after the baby is born. This test is part of the newborn's initial laboratory evaluation, particularly for babies at risk for calcium abnormalities.
Why is it important?
Calcium is a vital mineral essential for many bodily functions in newborns, including bone development, muscle contraction, nerve function, and heart rhythm. The cord blood calcium level reflects the calcium status of the baby at the time of birth and can help healthcare providers identify and treat calcium imbalances early.
How is the sample collected?
After the baby is born, a healthcare professional collects blood from the umbilical cord using a syringe. This is a painless procedure for both the mother and baby, as it is done after the cord has been clamped and cut. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Reference range
2.0-2.8 mmol/Lnot specified
None required; specimen collected from umbilical cord at delivery
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is cord blood calcium testing safe?
Does my baby need this test?
What happens if the cord blood calcium is low?
How long does it take to get results?
Can cord blood calcium levels change after birth?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy