Calciumdialfldmcnc
This test measures the calcium level in the dialysis fluid to ensure proper mineral balance during kidney dialysis treatment.
{"Calcium is a key mineral for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contractions","Dialysis patients need careful calcium monitoring as kidneys cannot regulate it properly","The test helps doctors adjust dialysis fluid calcium concentration to prevent complications","Abnormal calcium levels can lead to bone disease, heart problems, or nerve issues","Regular testing ensures safe and effective dialysis treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27373-0
- Short code
- Ca Dialysate
- Synonyms
- Calcium Dial fld-mCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Plastic specimen container, typically collected via dialysis machine sampling port
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 7
- Critical range
- 1 not specified – 2 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or Ion-selective electrode (ISE)
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 36773004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of dialysis fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Calcium in Dialysis Fluid test measures how much calcium is present in the liquid used during dialysis (dialysate). This is different from a standard blood calcium test. The test helps healthcare providers ensure that the dialysis fluid has the right amount of calcium to maintain proper mineral balance in your body. During dialysis, calcium can move between your blood and the dialysis fluid, so getting the concentration right is crucial for your health.
Why is this test important for dialysis patients?
Your kidneys normally help control calcium levels in your blood. When your kidneys fail, dialysis takes over some of these functions. The calcium concentration in the dialysis fluid determines whether calcium is added to or removed from your body during treatment. If the dialysis fluid has too little calcium, your body may lose too much calcium, weakening your bones. If it has too much calcium, you may develop high blood calcium levels, which can cause heart rhythm problems, nausea, and confusion.
How is the test performed?
A sample is taken from the dialysis fluid before or during your treatment. The sample is sent to a laboratory where specialists measure the calcium content using specialized equipment. Your healthcare team will compare these results with your blood calcium levels to determine if adjustments to your dialysis fluid are needed. This process is painless and does not require any blood draw from you.
What do the results mean?
Your doctor will interpret the results based on your overall health, blood test results, and how you feel. The ideal dialysis fluid calcium level helps maintain stable blood calcium and supports bone health. If results show the calcium level is too low or too high, your dialysis team will adjust the calcium concentration in your dialysis fluid. Sometimes additional medications or supplements may be needed to help manage your calcium balance.
Reference range
5.0-7.0 mg/dL (1.25-1.75 mmol/L)not specified
None required; specimen is dialysis fluid
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How often should dialysis fluid calcium be tested?
Will I feel different if my dialysis fluid calcium is wrong?
Can I eat foods high in calcium to help my levels?
Does this test hurt?
What happens if my calcium levels are always abnormal despite adjustments?
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