Skip to content

Soft Tissue Calcium (Bone)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of calcium present in your blood, which helps assess bone health and overall mineral balance in your body.

Quick summary

["Check your blood calcium levels to monitor bone health and prevent complications like osteoporosis or abnormal heart rhythms."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43571-9
Short code
Deprecated Soft Bone CT Bx needle guid
Synonyms
Deprecated Soft Bone CT Bx needle guid
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle cramps, frequent bone fractures, or signs of abnormal calcium levels. It may also be used to diagnose conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, or metabolic bone disorders.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures calcium concentration in your blood plasma or serum.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment, unless instructed otherwise by your provider.

What Are the Results Typically Used For?

Results help determine if your calcium levels are too high (hypercalcemia) or too low (hypocalcemia), which can affect your bones, muscles, and heart. They assist in diagnosing and managing conditions related to calcium metabolism.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Soft Tissue Calcium (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

How is this test different from a general calcium test?
This test specifically measures calcium in soft tissues, which can be useful for assessing calcium distribution beyond just blood levels. However, it may not capture all forms of calcium in the body, such as those stored in bones.
What if my results are out of the normal range?
If your results are outside the normal range, your healthcare provider will discuss them with you and may recommend further tests or treatments. This could include lifestyle changes, medications, or additional blood tests to understand the cause.
Can diet affect the results of this test?
Yes, diet can influence calcium levels. High intake of calcium-rich foods or supplements may temporarily raise blood calcium levels. Your provider may advise you to avoid large calcium supplements or certain foods before the test if instructed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy