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Overview

Calcium Test

Calcium Test

A calcium lab test or a calcium blood test is performed to measure either of the two - the total calcium level or the ionized calcium level. Normally, the calcium level in our body is well controlled. There is a balance between the free calcium (ionized) present in blood and the stored calcium present in bones. This test helps to diagnose and treat conditions that may have arisen from very high or very low calcium levels. Bone diseases, neurologic disorders, kidney failure, muscle spasm, thyroid malfunction and heart problems are caused by abnormal calcium levels.

Like other blood tests, wear sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or dress. This makes the collection of sample easier and hassle-free. In order to get accurate test results, it is advised that you do not eat or drink after midnight, drinking water is allowed. Usually, this test is done at the same time as other blood tests to get a better idea of your overall health.

Prior to the test, discuss your on-going medication with the doctor. You may be advised to discontinue the medication before the test, so that correct test results are obtained. Most importantly, always do as your doctor advises.

Though calcium is a common mineral in our body, it is of vital importance. Generally, high or low levels of calcium don’t show any symptoms. Calcium levels need to be extremely high or extremely low to show the below physical symptoms:

Low blood calcium level indicates hypocalcemia, where, the bones release the stored calcium to bring it back to a normal level. Hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure and rickets are commonly caused due to very low calcium level in blood.

High blood calcium level indicates hypercalcemia, where, the surplus calcium is either stored in the bones or passed out of the body through urine and stool. Hyperparathyroidism, milk-alkali syndrome, cancer of the plasma cells and sometimes, tuberculosis are ill effects of having very high calcium level in blood.

The quantity of blood sample as little as a vial is good enough to serve the purpose of testing. Before the needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand, a tourniquet is tied to your upper arm. This helps to locate the vein easily.

As your arm rests on a supportive prop, the needle is gently pushed into the vein. Carefully, the tourniquet is released and the sample blood is collected.

LimitationsSodium citrate, EDTA, and NaF potassium oxalate interfere.
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube; do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma..
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Calcium levels
Unisex
All age groups
8.9 - 10.1 mg/dl
Average price range of the test is between Rs.100 to Rs.1300 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Calcium Test?
Preparation for Calcium Test
Uses of Calcium Test
Procedure for Calcium Test
Limitations of Calcium Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Calcium Test
Price for Calcium Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

I had unprotected sex on 24th july and my period is due on 1st of august but I am still not feeling any period pain and my stomach is bloating feeling discomfort and changes in vagina. please suggest.

BHMS, MD - Homeopathy
Homeopathy Doctor, Vellore
I had unprotected sex on 24th july and my period is due on 1st of august but I am still not feeling any period pain a...
Dear lybrate-user! Wait for 10-15 days more and confirm the pregnancy. Sometimes the periods may delay after sexual contact.
4 people found this helpful

I am a student in 12th. I am under weighted and I can't afford costly Whey Proteins Powder. So How can I gain weight by cheap of Household methods?

BHMS
Homeopath, Secunderabad
I am a student in 12th. I am under weighted and I can't afford costly Whey Proteins Powder. So How can I gain weight ...
Do not worry too much. Just focus on eating healthy homemade food. A balanced diet is essential for the body to maintain ideal weight and overall health. Have milk and milk products. Try eating all types of beans (daals) which are a good source of natural proteins. You can search the net for various types of food and their nutritional values. Do not forget to eat fruits and vegetables everyday so that you get supply of vitamins and other nutrients. Exercise should also form an integral part of a healthy habit. If you follow these suggestions, it will not only help you gain ideal weight but also make you energetic and help focus on your studies and future planning. Have your priorities and stick to the healthy lifestyle. Do get a routine medical check up along with some basic tests to ensure you are fit and healthy. Revert later with reports for clarification.
5 people found this helpful

My wife's health is low and weight is also low. She is 26 years old. I want that my wife should be in good shape. Please advise me sir.

BHMS
Homeopath, Secunderabad
My wife's health is low and weight is also low. She is 26 years old. I want that my wife should be in good shape. Ple...
See​ that she eats a balanced diet. She should also go for a routine medical check up just to ensure that there is no any health problem that remain undetected. Some basic tests are: CBC, ESR, blood sugar, thyroid test, urine routine, liver profile etc. She should also focus on exercising everyday. Add Yoga and pranayam which can naturally empower the healing system in the body. A healthy lifestyle can make a lot of difference in the long run. Please revert with the reports for further clarification. She can also start Homeopathy to help gain good appetite and thereby healthy​ weight. You can contact me online also.
1 person found this helpful

I am a pure non-vegetarian aged 42 years (Female) having only 40 kg weight. How to gain more.

I am a pure non-vegetarian aged 42 years (Female) having only 40 kg weight. How to gain more.
Hello You should start taking weights in gym along with protein and milk to increase your weight and strength.
1 person found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

Sexual Health - How Internet Based Knowledge and Experiments Affect It?

Fellowship, Council of Sex Education & Parenthood, BAMS, B-Pharm
Sexologist, Jaipur
Sexual Health - How Internet Based Knowledge and Experiments Affect It?

The Internet has glorified our lives in numerous ways, but at the same time, too much of information available online has also become very appalling in certain cases. One of the main scenarios that have borne the brunt of information overload is sexual health. Now-a-days, the adolescents or the teenagers have become very much vulnerable to increasing sexual risks owing to exposure to excessive online information.
Sexual Studies: The eternal curiosity about sexuality amongst the humans along with the unnecessary stigmas or taboos related to these have together led to a severe situation where people are resorting to a wrong form of information by misusing the internet.

How are the teenagers affected?
This has mounted up, especially amongst the teenagers because this is the transitional stage of a child to an adult where one goes through the maximum hormonal changes in the body. These hormones affect the metabolism and development of sexual maturity in those who are passing through this sensitive stage of puberty.

The superficial study of biological sciences and the changes felt by the adolescents have compelled them to dig more about sexuality by making use of the wonder weapon today, the internet. However, the social and other digital media contain sexual contents and information in a distorted manner and this has proved to be extremely pernicious in the following ways:

  1. Pre-marital and unsafe sex.
  2. Increase of sexually transmitted infections.
  3. The most alarming effect of all is the accelerated amount of crimes related to maliciously-oriented sexual attitudes and behaviours such as eve-teasing, molestation, rapes, child abuse, sexual harassment, etc.
  4. Unhealthy tendency of masturbation amongst the males.
  5. A healthy post-marriage sexual life is getting badly affected.

Studies have shown the present social media is flooded with illicit sexual content to the extent of almost 80% in the movies and 60% in the videos that are creating a severe psychological impact on everyone, irrespective of the gender. This is reaching to such an extent that sometimes they are getting addicted to watching these that is undermining their overall mental health.

Probable remedies: Now-a-days, various sexual awareness programmes are coming up and sexual orientation programme is becoming a part of the course curriculum in schools as well. Yet, unless and until the hush-hush mentality of the society regarding this particular aspect decreases, there will not be a significant change. There is always hope at the end of a dark tunnel and anybody who feels disturbed due to these issues can always consult and take help of the psychiatrists and sexologists who can handle such issues with the utmost consideration and under strict confidentiality.

However, one needs to open up completely before them or else, the treatment or counselling, whichever is applicable, will not be fulfilled in a proper manner. One has to break the boundaries, get enlightened, confront the facts and in turn, lead a healthier sexual life. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.

5581 people found this helpful

How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

B.A.M.S., M.D.(A.M), EX-M.R.C.G.P., EX-M.R.S.H., EX-M.S.I.E.C.U.S, EX-M.S.S.S.S.
Sexologist, Mumbai
How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

Supplements are just a way to add vital nutrients in your daily nutritional intake, but are not the only solution. First of all, it is important to note that your sex life does not depend on supplements. Various other factors can both positively and negatively affect your sex life. Exercise, weight and medications you take can have both adverse and positive effects. Try to improve your sex life by altering these aspects before you use supplements. Nevertheless, here are some supplements which may be beneficial for your sex life.

  1. Iron: Iron is used to boost the libido of women. The libido comprises the arousal, desire as well as the ability to have an orgasm. However, too much iron is not good for you. Over 20 mg can cause stomach problems and constipation while over 60 mg is life threatening.
  2. Niacin: There are two types of cholesterol in your body. One is a good cholesterol, while the other is a bad cholesterol. Niacin is a type of B vitamin, which raises your good cholesterol level. Men who have high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction tend to see improvements in their symptoms by taking 1500 mg of niacin for 12 weeks.
  3. Yohimbine: This is a type of herbal supplement only used for men. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction and should only be used on men. However, it is worth note that high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches and dizziness are all caused by yohimbine. Therefore, it should be used with care only when the doctor prescribes it.
  4. Panax ginseng: This is one of those rare drugs, which raises sexual desire in women and also corrects erectile dysfunction in men. It is worth mentioning that Panax ginseng also causes insomnia. Insomnia is one of the side effects of this medication along with diarrhea and painful periods for women. 
  5. Maca: This is a type of Peruvian root vegetable. It primarily helps women who are taking antidepressants and have lost their sex drive as a result. It can also be tried safely as it is a type of food as well and therefore, it is not as dangerous as some of the other supplements on this list. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.
5465 people found this helpful

These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

When it comes to maintaining proper penis health, most men have a very good idea of what to do. They know all the basics of penis care, from taking care to wash properly to regularly inspecting the manhood to applying a high-quality penis health crème. But in the heat of the moment, when sexual fun is getting hot and heavy, a man might make a silly mistake. Those sexual mistakes can compromise penis health in a serious way.

Not sure what sexual mistakes might be a problem? Here's a list of the biggest issues a man might find himself doing when things are hot - and might regret when things cool off.

1. That lube isn't really lube. A man who is getting it on but suddenly realizes the need for lube might reach for whatever is handy, assuming a bottle of lube is not available - and sometimes that means he will try to use anything from shampoo or conditioner to lotion or cooking oils. Obviously these things are not meant for use as a sexual lubricant, and can lead to dry and cracked skin, irritation and more. Using lube designed specifically for the sexual purpose is always recommended.

2. The condom is too small. Though it is very important to always wrap it up before sexual activity, the wrapping itself might sometimes be the issue. Using a condom that is too small might lead to a little irritation in the heat of the moment, but a man can often ignore that for pursuit of pleasure. The aftermath is when things get rough, as the penis can develop small cuts, tears or even blisters from the use of a condom that is too tight. It pays to test out a variety of condoms to find the best fit.

3. There's been too much drinking. Sometimes a bit of inebriation can be a good thing, as it lowers inhibitions and can help both partners relax before the main event. But too much drinking can lead to serious problems, including trouble with getting it up or issues with stamina. But too much alcohol consumption can lead to even worse things, such as forgetting to use a condom or even suffering memory loss that leaves a man wondering just what happened the night before. Avoiding this is simple: don't drink too much before a bedtime romp.

4. Cleaning up is not a priority. There are plenty of bodily fluids sliding around during sexual activity, and much of that understandably winds up on a man's penis. From the natural lubrication that occurs during sex to the traces of spermicide in the condom, there can be several substances that linger. A man who doesn't clean off his penis after sex is asking for trouble, as those fluids can dry on the penis skin, leading to itching, irritation and redness, as well as a potential penis rash.

A man who pays attention to good penis care should always remember that caring for the penis extends to those moments when things are hot and heavy. Not only should a man be fully prepared for any sexual encounter, he should also be sure to take care to clean up well afterward. Maintaining good health should also include regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A for odor-fighting properties, vitamin E to keep skin supple, and vitamin C to enhance sexual health. Amino acids such as L-arginine for blood vessel dilation and acetyl-L-carnitine for protection against peripheral nerve damage are also helpful. Combine it all in a Shea butter base and a man has the recipe for great penis health.

21 people found this helpful

Ways To Prevent Hair Loss With Homeopathic Treatment!

BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Faridabad
Ways To Prevent Hair Loss With Homeopathic Treatment!

Growth of hair may occur either on its own or after a particular treatment, inducing hair growth. There are various treatments as well as solutions for preventing and treating hair fall. Loss of hair occurs due to various reasons, including fungal infection on the scalp, genetic reasons, head injury and extreme fever. Homeopathic treatment is one of the finest branches of medical treatments that have been proved to be highly effective in curing hair fall and in promoting growth of hair.

• Homeopathy is a stream of medications that has been there for a long time and prepared with herbal and mineral sources.
• Many practitioners recommend homeopathic treatment for a long-term solution of hair loss.

Some of the most effective homeopathic medications for hair loss include:

Silicea
• It is extracted from sandstones and human tissues.
• This medicine is very useful for strengthening the roots of hair and eliminating the dryness by offering total nourishment to the scalp and hair.
• Silicea is a growth enhancer and is one of the 12 tissue cell salts found in human beings.

Kalium carbonicum
• Kalium Carbonicum is a homeopathic medication that has been extracted from compounds that Egyptians used for preparation of glass.

• It is prescribed by homeopath practitioners all over the world to stop thinning and brittleness of hair, thereby promoting good hair growth.
• This medicine is good for individuals, who are orthodox in their belief.

Lycopodium
• Homeopathic experts recommend lycopodium for the prevention of premature balding.
• It is particularly suitable for pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, as hair fall is a common symptom at this stage.
• It is generally prepared by distilling the spores of some evergreen plants like club moss, which is popularly referred to as staghorn moss.

Natrum muriaticum
• The preparation of Natrum muriaticum is executed from sodium chloride, which is commonly known as table salt.
• This medication has been proven to be very effective, where hair loss is caused from dryness of scalp, dandruff problems, skin diseases and menstrual disorders.
• It can also treat hair loss caused from hormonal imbalances and is a great solution for people who react emotionally to loss of hair.

Though the homeopathic treatment regime is filled with hoards of medicines, it is crucial to consult an expert to know which treatment would work for you and refrain from administering medicines on your own. This will help you to reap the benefits of homeopathic treatments and have desired growth of hair.

2 people found this helpful