Calcium in Whole Blood (Total)
This test measures the total amount of calcium in your blood. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, bone health, and blood clotting.
["Your blood calcium levels help ensure proper bodily functions and bone strength."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39085-6
- Short code
- WALPOL
- Synonyms
- Calif Walnut Poln IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay / FEIA)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 year
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, or unusual bone pain. They might also check calcium levels if you have conditions like kidney disease, certain cancers, or overactive thyroid. It could also be part of routine check-ups or monitoring for conditions like osteoporosis or heart disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you might feel a slight pinch or discomfort.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a numerical value, but exact reference ranges can vary by lab and individual health. High or low levels may indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Abnormal calcium levels can be linked to conditions like hypoparathyroidism (low calcium), hyperparathyroidism (high calcium), kidney problems, or certain medications. Chronic conditions like heart disease or osteoporosis may also influence calcium metabolism.
Reference range
IgE total: 0-100 kU/L (adult reference); Specific IgE California Walnut Pollen: <0.35 kU/L (negative), 0.35-0.70 kU/L (equivocal), 0.71-3.50 kU/L (positive), 3.51-17.50 kU/L (strongly positive), >17.50 kU/L (very strongly positive)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should inform clinician of any current antihistamine or corticosteroid use, as these may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Calcium
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
What causes calcium levels to be too high or too low?
Can diet affect my calcium test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy