Calciumsalscnc
A test that measures the amount of calcium in your saliva, which may reflect calcium balance in your body.
{"This test measures calcium levels in saliva, not blood","Salivary calcium may be useful for monitoring certain conditions affecting calcium metabolism","The test is not commonly used in routine clinical practice","Results may be affected by saliva flow rate and oral health","Your healthcare provider will interpret results in context of your overall health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74516-6
- Short code
- Ca_Saliva
- Synonyms
- Calcium Sal-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile saliva collection device (e.g., Salimetrics oral swab, passive drool collection device, or sterile container)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 2.5
- Critical range
- 6 not specified – 14 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Method
- Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or colorimetric assay using arsenazo III dye
- CPT
- 82330 (Calcium; inorganic, quantitative, saliva or other source)
- SNOMED
- 271442001 (Calcium measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of whole saliva
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Salivary Calcium test measures the concentration of calcium in your saliva (oral fluid). While blood (serum) calcium testing is more common, measuring calcium in saliva is sometimes used in research settings or for specific clinical purposes. Calcium is an important electrolyte that plays vital roles in bone health, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample of your saliva, usually by having you spit into a collection tube or by using a swab. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Unlike blood tests, this procedure is non-invasive and does not require needles. You may be asked to avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for a period before the sample collection.
What do the results mean?
Salivary calcium levels do not directly mirror blood calcium levels. Instead, they may provide information about calcium excretion or balance in the body. Abnormal results may warrant further investigation with blood tests or other diagnostic methods. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results when interpreting your salivary calcium levels.
Reference range
0.5-2.5 mmol/Lnot specified
Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, or oral hygiene products for at least 1 hour prior; rinse mouth with water and wait 10 min before collection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why would I need a saliva calcium test instead of a blood test?
Is fasting required before the test?
Can I do this test at home?
What can affect my salivary calcium levels?
Is the test safe?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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