Calciumtpnscnc
This test measures calcium levels in patients receiving nutrition through an IV line, ensuring proper nutrient balance during intravenous feeding.
{"Calcium is a vital mineral measured in TPN to support bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling","Normal calcium levels help prevent complications like bone loss or heart rhythm problems","Regular monitoring ensures patients receiving intravenous nutrition get the right amount of calcium"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53100-4
- Short code
- Ca-TPN
- Synonyms
- Calcium TPN-sCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile plastic container or syringe for TPN solution collection
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 2.1
- Ref high
- 2.6
- Critical range
- 1.75 not specified – 3.4 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or Spectrophotometry
- CPT
- 82310
- SNOMED
- 271565004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of TPN solution
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 72 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Calcium in Total Parenteral Nutrition test measures the amount of calcium in your blood when you receive nutrition through an IV (intravenous) line. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of feeding that provides nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This test helps healthcare providers ensure you are receiving the correct amount of calcium while on TPN.
Why is calcium important in TPN?
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays several important roles in your body: it maintains strong bones and teeth, helps muscles contract properly, enables nerve cells to send signals, and assists with blood clotting. When you receive nutrition through TPN, your healthcare team must carefully monitor calcium levels to ensure you are getting enough of this vital mineral without having too much or too little.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where the calcium level is measured. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often this test needs to be done based on your specific condition and how long you have been receiving TPN.
Reference range
As ordered (typically 1.5-5.0 mmol/L for adult TPN formulations; no fixed reference range)not specified
None; sample is TPN solution (not patient blood)
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any pain during the blood test?
What do abnormal calcium results mean?
How often will I need this test?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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