Calciumbldcscnc
A capillary blood calcium test measures the amount of calcium in a small sample of blood taken from a finger prick.
{"Calcium is essential for strong bones, muscle function, and nerve signaling","This test helps diagnose conditions affecting calcium levels in the body","Sample is collected via a simple finger prick","Abnormal results may indicate problems with parathyroid glands, kidneys, or vitamin D","No special preparation is typically required"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42593-4
- Short code
- Cap_Ca
- Synonyms
- Calcium BldC-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Capillary tubes (heparinized or plain), microcollection devices, or capillary blood gas syringes (heparinized)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2.15
- Ref high
- 2.55
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 3.25 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Colorimetric assay (Arsenazo III method) or Ion-selective electrode (ISE) for ionized calcium measurement
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271436006
- Specimen volume
- 50-100 µL (0.05-0.10 mL) minimum volume
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 3-7 days; Frozen (-20°C): prolonged stability for batched analysis
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Capillary Blood Calcium Test measures the concentration of calcium in your blood using a small sample obtained from a finger prick. Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a key role in bone health, muscle contractions, nerve function, and blood clotting. This test falls under the electrolyte category, which monitors minerals that help maintain fluid balance and bodily functions.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will clean your finger with an antiseptic swab and use a small lancet to prick the fingertip. A few drops of blood will be collected into a small container or onto a test strip. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure calcium levels. The procedure is quick, takes only a few minutes, and involves minimal discomfort.
Why is this test important?
Calcium is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, supporting muscle contractions, enabling nerve signals, and helping blood clot properly. This test helps healthcare providers monitor your calcium levels and detect abnormalities that could indicate underlying health conditions.
Reference range
2.15-2.55 mmol/Lnot specified
No fasting or special preparation required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do high calcium levels mean?
What do low calcium levels mean?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
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