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Calciumserplmcnc

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 14, 2026

A blood test that measures the amount of calcium in your blood to evaluate bone health, nerve function, and heart health.

Quick summary

{"Calcium is essential for strong bones, muscle contraction, and nerve signaling","Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, parathyroid disorders, or vitamin D deficiency","The test requires a simple blood draw, usually after fasting overnight"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 14, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17861-6
Short code
Calcium SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Calcium SerPl-mCnc
Category
electrolyte
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST/Gel tube) 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
0–120 years
Method
Colorimetric (Arsenazo III)
CPT
82310
SNOMED
271565004
Specimen volume
1-2 mL serum minimum
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 6 months
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
1–4 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Serum Calcium test measures the concentration of calcium in your blood. Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a key role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, helping muscles contract, enabling nerves to send signals, and helping your heart function properly. Your body tightly regulates calcium levels through hormones from the parathyroid glands and vitamin D.

During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the test, as food intake can affect calcium levels.

Reference range

8.5-10.5 mg/dLnot specified

Specimen: serum

No fasting or special preparation required

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings3

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to prepare for the calcium blood test?
Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8-12 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some can affect calcium levels.
Is the test painful?
You may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted to draw blood. This typically lasts only a few seconds.
What do abnormal calcium results mean?
Abnormal results do not always indicate a serious condition. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your overall health, symptoms, and other test results. Additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause.
How often should I have this test?
The frequency depends on your health condition and your doctor's recommendations. It may be part of routine blood work or ordered more frequently if you have kidney disease, bone disorders, or calcium-related conditions.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Calcium Blood TestSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - CalciumSource
  3. 3
    National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements - CalciumSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 14, 2026. · Read our editorial policy