Calciummsmtserpl
A blood test that measures the amount of calcium in your blood to evaluate bone health, nerve function, and heart health.
{"Calcium is essential for strong bones, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling","Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, parathyroid disorders, or vitamin D deficiency","The test requires a simple blood draw and is often part of routine metabolic panels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108758-4
- Short code
- Ca
- Synonyms
- Calcium Msmt SerPl
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- SST (Serum Separator Tube/gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 8.5
- Ref high
- 10.5
- Critical range
- 6 not specified – 13 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometry (Arsenazo III method) or Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271434006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7-14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Protect from light exposure.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A blood calcium test measures the concentration of calcium in your serum or plasma. Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a key role in bone formation, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting. This test helps healthcare providers assess how well your body is regulating calcium levels.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor instructs otherwise. The procedure only takes a few minutes and may cause minor bruising or soreness at the puncture site.
What do the results mean?
Normal calcium levels typically range from 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.12 to 2.62 mmol/L), but reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) may indicate hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or excessive vitamin D intake. Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) may suggest vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, or hypoparathyroidism. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health and other test findings.
Are there any risks?
The risks are minimal and include minor bleeding, bruising, or infection at the needle site. Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after the blood draw. These side effects usually resolve quickly.
Reference range
8.5-10.5 mg/dLnot 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 the calcium blood test?
What happens if my calcium levels are too high or too low?
Can medications affect my calcium test results?
How often should I have my calcium levels checked?
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