Understanding Your Medical Test
This test measures the calcium level in peritoneal dialysis fluid to ensure proper mineral balance during kidney dialysis treatment.
{"Measures calcium concentration in the dialysis solution used for peritoneal dialysis","Helps doctors maintain safe calcium levels in your blood","Proper calcium balance prevents bone disease and heart problems","Abnormal results may require changes in your dialysis solution or calcium supplements","Regular monitoring is essential for patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49005-2
- Short code
- Ca_PDF
- Synonyms
- Calcium DiafP-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile polypropylene container or original dialysis fluid collection bag. Use of clean, dry specimen container without additives.
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 1.5
- Critical range
- 0.5 not specified – 2.5 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Colorimetric assay (o-cresolphthalein complexone method) or Ion-selective electrode (ISE)
- CPT
- 82310 (Calcium; total, each)
- SNOMED
- 271571001 (Calcium measurement, dialysis fluid) or 394579002 (Peritoneal dialysate calcium measurement)
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1.0 mL of peritoneal dialysis fluid; preferably 2-5 mL for adequate testing.
- Stability
- Calcium in peritoneal dialysis fluid is stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C) and up to 7 days at 2-8°C. Avoid freezing. Prompt analysis recommended within 4-6 hours of collection for optimal accuracy.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this medical test, and what does it measure or help your healthcare provider evaluate about your health?
The Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid Calcium test measures the amount of calcium in the fluid used for peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment that uses the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) to filter waste and excess fluids from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do this job effectively. The dialysis fluid, called dialysate, contains minerals like calcium that can move into or out of your body during treatment.
Why is this test important, and how can its results help your healthcare provider diagnose, monitor, or manage a medical condition?
Calcium is essential for healthy bones, heart function, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. During peritoneal dialysis, the calcium in the dialysate can affect your blood calcium levels. If the dialysis fluid has too little calcium, your blood calcium may drop too low (hypocalcemia). If it has too much calcium, your blood calcium may become too high (hypercalcemia). Both conditions can cause serious health problems, including bone disease, heart rhythm abnormalities, and muscle cramps.
How is the test performed, what should you expect during the procedure, and is any preparation required beforehand?
A sample of your peritoneal dialysis fluid is collected either from a fresh bag of dialysate before it enters your abdomen, or from the fluid that drains out after a dialysis exchange. The sample is sent to a laboratory where the calcium concentration is measured. Your healthcare team will compare this result with your blood calcium levels and your overall health condition to determine if any adjustments to your treatment are needed.
What do the results mean, and how will your healthcare provider explain whether they are within the expected range or need further evaluation?
Your doctor will interpret the results based on your individual situation, including your blood test results, medications, and symptoms. The ideal calcium level in dialysis fluid helps maintain normal blood calcium without requiring excessive calcium supplements or phosphate binders. If your results are outside the target range, your nephrologist may adjust the calcium concentration in your dialysis solution or recommend dietary changes or supplements.
Reference range
No established reference rangenot specified
No special preparation; specimen collected from peritoneal dialysis effluent
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How often should this test be done?
What happens if my calcium level is too low?
What happens if my calcium level is too high?
Can I change my diet to affect calcium levels?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy