Calciumtmsuburqn
A urine test that measures the amount of calcium in your urine to help diagnose kidney stones and certain bone or parathyroid disorders.
{"Measures calcium levels in a urine sample","Helps diagnose kidney stones and bone disorders","Involves collecting urine, typically over 24 hours","High levels may indicate kidney stones or hyperparathyroidism","Low levels may suggest vitamin D deficiency"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32541-5
- Short code
- CAU
- Synonyms
- Calcium ?Tm sub Ur Qn
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container (plastic, graduated for 24h collection)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2.5
- Ref high
- 7.5
- Critical range
- 1 not specified – 10 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Ion-selective electrode (ISE), or Spectrophotometry
- CPT
- 82340
- SNOMED
- 271571001
- Specimen volume
- 10-100 mL (random); 24-hour collection: complete volume (typically 1000-2000 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine calcium test measures the amount of calcium present in your urine. Calcium is an important mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth, supports muscle function, and helps nerves transmit signals. When your kidneys filter blood, they remove excess calcium through urine. This test helps doctors understand how much calcium your body is excreting.
How is the test performed?
Your healthcare provider will give you a special container for urine collection. You will typically collect all urine produced over a 24-hour period, though your doctor may specify a different timeframe. During the collection period, follow these steps: start by urinating into the toilet at the beginning of the collection period, then for all subsequent urinations, collect the urine in the provided container, keep the container refrigerated or on ice, and at the end of the collection period, bring the container to your lab as instructed.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order a urine calcium test if you have symptoms of kidney stones (such as severe back or abdominal pain, blood in urine), if you have a history of kidney stones, if bone disease is suspected, or to monitor conditions affecting calcium metabolism like hyperparathyroidism.
How to prepare for the test
Before the test, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as certain drugs can affect calcium levels. You may be asked to temporarily stop taking diuretics (water pills), antacids containing calcium, or vitamin D supplements. Your doctor may also ask you to maintain your normal diet and fluid intake. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
Understanding your results
Normal urine calcium levels vary depending on your diet and the laboratory that analyzes the sample. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, diet, and other test results. Do not compare your results with others or worry about minor differences from reference ranges.
Reference range
No established range for unspecified duration; 24-h urine typically 2.5-7.5 mmol/daynot specified
No fasting required; for timed collections collect all urine over the interval, maintain usual diet, avoid calcium supplements unless directed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
Can I collect the urine sample at home?
What happens if I miss a urine collection during the 24-hour period?
Are there any risks to this 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy