Calciumfldnbscnc
A calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in your blood to evaluate bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
{"Calcium is an essential mineral for bones, muscles, and nerves","Abnormal levels may indicate kidney problems, parathyroid disorders, or vitamin D deficiency","The test requires a simple blood draw","No special preparation is typically needed","Results help doctors diagnose and monitor various medical conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54364-5
- Short code
- Ca
- Synonyms
- Calcium Fld.NB-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- SST (Serum Separator Tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2.2
- Ref high
- 2.6
- Critical range
- 1.7 not specified – 3.4 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or colorimetric method (arsenazo III dye binding)
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271710001
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in your blood serum. Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, helping muscles contract, enabling nerves to send signals, and helping blood clot properly.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order a calcium blood test to: check your overall health as part of a routine metabolic panel, evaluate bone health, monitor kidney function, diagnose or monitor parathyroid gland disorders, investigate symptoms like weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, or check calcium levels if you are taking certain medications.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is generally not painful. You may experience slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site afterward.
How to prepare for the test
Typically, no special preparation is needed for a calcium blood test. However, your doctor may ask you to fast for a certain period if other tests are being done at the same time. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions and inform them about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Reference range
Not applicablenot specified
None; nonbiological fluid specimen
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal calcium level?
Will I need to fast before the test?
Can I take my medications before the test?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy