Calciumprtscnc
This test measures the amount of calcium in the peritoneal (abdominal) fluid to help diagnose the cause of fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
{"Measures calcium levels in abdominal fluid","Helps distinguish between different types of ascites","Used alongside other fluid tests for accurate diagnosis","Results are compared with blood calcium levels","Low calcium in peritoneal fluid may indicate exudate"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14417-0
- Short code
- CA-PF
- Synonyms
- Calcium Prt-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile container for peritoneal fluid collection; if simultaneous serum testing, use SST (serum separator tube) or plain red top tube
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2.2
- Ref high
- 2.6
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 3.5 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Spectrophotometry ( Arsenazo III method) or Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)
- CPT
- 82146
- SNOMED
- 271587006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of peritoneal fluid minimum; 2-3 mL recommended for accurate analysis
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): several weeks for batched analysis
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Peritoneal Fluid Calcium test measures the concentration of calcium in the fluid collected from the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid). This fluid is obtained through a procedure called paracentesis, where a thin needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity to collect fluid. The test helps doctors understand the nature and cause of fluid buildup in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites.
Why is it performed?
This test is performed when a patient has fluid accumulation in the abdomen. By measuring calcium levels, along with other substances in the fluid, doctors can determine whether the fluid is a transudate (caused by systemic conditions like liver disease or heart failure) or an exudate (caused by local conditions like infection, cancer, or pancreatitis). Calcium levels help differentiate between these types, as exudates typically have lower calcium levels compared to blood, while transudates often have calcium levels similar to blood.
How is the test done?
During paracentesis, the doctor cleans the abdominal skin and inserts a thin needle into the peritoneal cavity to withdraw fluid. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and guided by ultrasound. The collected fluid is then sent to a laboratory where calcium concentration is measured. The results are often compared with blood calcium levels to provide additional diagnostic information.
Reference range
No established reference range (values often comparable to serum total calcium ~2.1-2.6 mmol/L)not specified
No special preparation required; specimen collected during paracentesis or peritoneal dialysis procedure
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low calcium levels in peritoneal fluid (compared to blood levels) are typically associated with exudative ascites, which may indicate conditions such as peritoneal cancer, tuberculosis peritonitis, or pancreatic ascites. Normal or near-normal calcium levels relative to blood suggest transudative ascites, commonly caused by liver cirrhosis, heart failure, or nephrotic syndrome. This test, when combined with other fluid analyses (such as protein, albumin, and cell count), helps doctors determine the underlying cause of abdominal fluid accumulation and guide appropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - AscitesSource
- 2
- 3LOINC Code ReferenceSource
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