Total Calcium (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of calcium in your blood serum, an essential mineral that plays a key role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and bone health.
["Your blood calcium levels help ensure proper muscle and nerve function and support strong bones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38437-0
- Short code
- CASHEW IGE
- Synonyms
- Cashew nut IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube with clot activator
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Fluorescent enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395790002
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting calcium balance, such as kidney disease, bone disorders, or metabolic issues. It can also help diagnose or monitor symptoms like muscle weakness, bone pain, or abnormal heart rhythms.
What Does It Tell You?
Total calcium levels help identify whether you have hypocalcemia (too little calcium) or hypercalcemia (too much calcium), which can cause various health problems. However, calcium levels alone may not pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms.
How Is It Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure total calcium concentration.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). While reference ranges vary by lab, they generally fall between 8.5 and 10.2 mg/dL (2.13–5.12 mmol/L). Your actual range may differ slightly.
Reference range
IgE total: <100 IU/mL (adults); Specific IgE: <0.35 kU/L (Class 0 - Negative). Results reported in kU/L with classification: <0.35 (Class 0), 0.35-0.70 (Class 1), 0.70-3.50 (Class 2), 3.50-17.50 (Class 3), 17.50-50.00 (Class 4), 50.00-100.00 (Class 5), >100.00 (Class 6).N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform provider of any antihistamine or corticosteroid use, though these do not affect IgE antibody levels. Avoid testing during active allergic episodes if possible for baseline assessment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Total calcium levels are crucial for diagnosing conditions like hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, or hyperparathyroidism. Abnormal levels may also indicate conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism, bone disorders, or certain cancers.
Short name
Total Calcium
Frequently asked questions
What might cause abnormal calcium levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy