Common Specialities
{{speciality.keyWord}}
Common Issues
{{issue.keyWord}}
Common Treatments
{{treatment.keyWord}}

Overview

Calcium Ionized Test

Calcium Ionized Test

also known as: Calcium Filterable, Calcium Unbound, Ionized Calcium

Ionized calcium blood test measures the total calcium (50% to 55%) in blood. Calcium is a mineral that is responsible for strong and healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Ionized calcium or free calcium is in the most physiologically active form. Persons with parathyroid gland problems, kidney diseases and certain types of cancers are tested for ionized calcium level. Normally, the calcium level in our body is well controlled. There is a balance between the free or ionized calcium present in blood and the stored or bound calcium present in bones. Any imbalance in their level can cause serious health problems. A critically ill person on IV fluids or before receiving blood transfusion may need to undergo ionized calcium blood test. Persons with abnormal calcium values are required to do an ionized calcium retest.

Prior to the ionized calcium test, it’s important that you discuss your medical history, health condition and current medication with the doctor. The doctor may advise you to discontinue current medication to get accurate test result. Few drugs like calcium salts, thiazide diuretics, lithium, hydralazine and thyroxine affect the ionized calcium level in blood. You may also be required to fast for 6 hours approx. or overnight fasting before the sample blood is drawn. It’s recommended to wear sleeveless or short sleeve dress to allow easy collection of blood sample. The doctor’s advice is of great importance and it is to be followed sincerely.

Normal levels of ionized calcium are different in adults and children. Ionized calcium values are higher in children and young adults. If the ionized calcium level is low (below 50%), then it can cause heart problems leading to coma. Hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia, malnutrition and kidney failure are serious health problems caused due to low ionized calcium. If the ionized calcium level is high, then it can cause hyperparathyroidism, milk-alkali symdrome, tuberculosis, tumours, multiple myeloma and immobility.

A qualified phlebotomist ties a tourniquet to the upper arm and locates the vein for venipuncture. The needle site is wiped with an alcohol based antiseptic solution. Then, the disposable needle is gently pushed into the located vein and the tourniquet is released. Sample blood is drawn into a labelled serum gel microtainer for laboratory testing. A tube full or minimum 1.75 ml of blood is drawn and collected. Proper blood sample handling is necessary in order to ensure accurate test results.

LimitationsTotal calcium remains the first line test for evaluation of calcium abnormality.
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Ionized Calcium
Unisex
All age groups
4.8 - 5.7 mg/dl
Average price range of the test is between Rs.150 to Rs.960 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Calcium Ionized Test?
Preparation for Calcium Ionized Test
Uses of Calcium Ionized Test
Procedure for Calcium Ionized Test
Limitations of Calcium Ionized Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Calcium Ionized Test
Price for Calcium Ionized Test
Lybrate Gaurantee
Lybrate Gaurantee

Popular Questions & Answers

I am suffering from some problem so I can't take milk. Please suggest me what else can I do to get the benefits which we specially get from milk like calcium?

B.Sc.(Hons), P.G.Dietetics
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Gurgaon
I am suffering from some problem so I can't take milk. Please suggest me what else can I do to get the benefits which...
Hello Lybrate user ,In addition to milk, there are a variety of foods that contain calcium and can help you to get sufficient levels of calcium in daily diet. Some examples include: yogurt, cheese Broccoli, kale, Oranges, Tofu, peanuts, peas, black beans, baked beans, Salmon, sardines Sesame seeds, corn tortillas, brown sugar.
3 people found this helpful

I am currently having high blood pressure, did a master check-up in blood, only cholesterol is very high, apart from that no effects on kidney ,heart ,no sugar My BP is 178 / 115 when I am normal, could not find the reason what could be the reason of my high BP.

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurveda,
I am currently having high blood pressure, did a master check-up in blood, only cholesterol is very high, apart from ...
Diastolic BPshould not across 100 high salt intake ,inadequate sleep causes high BP you must be having essential hypertension get your ECG and fundoscopy (eye examination) along with your current medicines panchkarm shirodhara will help to lower your BP tab brahmi vati 2 twice a day tad aswagandha 1 twice a day small healthy meals and sound sleep is essential.

I have pain in my legs and thies muscles. I have vitamin D deficiency (14.50); Calcium is ok. All blood reports are normal. What should I do to cure pain in my legs and thies?

B.P.T, M.P.T(ORTHO), Certification in Gym Instructor & Prenatal and Post natal
Physiotherapist, Gurgaon
I have pain in my legs and thies muscles.
I have vitamin D deficiency (14.50);
Calcium is ok.
All blood reports are n...
Dear Lybrate your vitamin d is on lower side it should lie in between 30 n 100 so approx 60 will not have deficiency symptoms like pain in legs .u can start with medicine n your leg n thigh pain will get better automatically.
2 people found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

4 Causes Of Arthritis And Its Ayurvedic Treatment!

B.A.M.S
Ayurvedic Doctor, Mandsaur
4 Causes Of Arthritis And Its Ayurvedic Treatment!

Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint in the body functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.

Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia. When four or more joints are involved, the arthritis is referred to as polyarthritis. When two or three joints are involved, it is referred to as oligoarthritis. When only a single joint is involved, it is referred to as monoarthritis.

Cause of arthritis

It is difficult to narrow down a single cause for it, but a combination of reasons may trigger this disease.

  1. Injury: A hurtful injury can cause your joint to get inflamed and may also damage the tissue around it leading to arthritis.
  2. Heredity factors: In many cases, the genetic make-up of an individual can also cause this.
  3. Diet and nutrition: Sometimes, consuming the wrong diet can cause your joint to either fall weak or affect the tissue around it. For example, sugar-rich foods are not good for your joints
  4. Less cartilage: Cartilage is a firm but flexible connective tissue in your joints. It protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock created when you move and put stress on them. A reduction in the normal amount of this cartilage tissue cause some forms of arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis

Most common signs on the onset of this disease are stiffness, redness of the skin around a joint, pain due to inflammation, it might also affect your immune system causing a loss appetite if the disease is because of your immune system.

How can Ayurveda help?

Ayurveda can work wonders for this disease since a right combination of nourishing herbs and stable yoga postures improve your joint health for a longer time. Since the treatment is totally organic, the calcium absorption of your body is increased naturally without any side effects. Even Ayurvedic oils work well for joint pain and give you quick relief. If you have been to able to find the right treatment then Ayurveda is for you. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ayurveda.

3457 people found this helpful

Treating Frozen Shoulder!

BPTh/BPT
Physiotherapist, Delhi
Treating Frozen Shoulder!

Frozen shoulder these days are very common after the age of 35 years. Common reasons are lack of exercises, calcium level, diabetes, b. P, smoking, alcohol, accidental injuries.

 To treat frozen shoulder:-

1. Start with physiotherapy treatment 
2. Start regular exercise 
3. Don't lift heavy thing 
4. Check your bp and sugar
5. Reduce your weight
6. Do hot fermentation twice a day 
7. Take calcium vitamin d 3 and other supplement advice by your Dr.

Calcium Source!

MBBS, D. Ortho, DNB (Orthopedics), M Ch. Ortho
Orthopedic Doctor, Pune
Calcium Source!

Milk is best source of calcium

Hairfall - Ayurvedic Remedies For It!

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurvedic Doctor, Kota
Hairfall -  Ayurvedic Remedies For It!

Seeing multiple strands of your hair leave your scalp with shampoo, on the floor while combing or on clothes later on is terrible. It gives a feeling of going bald if such a situation continues unabated, and that feeling is disturbing.

Hair fall has become a major problem for many nowadays. Often lack of proper care and knowledge about hair care products causes damage to hair and eventually hair fall. According to Ayurveda, hair fall is associated with body type that varies from person to person and also the stability of mind-body structure. Hair is considered as a byproduct of bone formation, as stated by Ayurveda. The tissues which are responsible for the development of bones are also responsible for hair growth.

Here are some ways through which Ayurveda addresses the problem of hair fall:

1. Dietary modifications: It is important to identify the lifestyle habits that cause hair fall problems. Consumption of excessive alcohol, meat, coffee, tea and smoking are some of these habits. Hair fall can also be aggravated by indulging in intake of too much greasy, spicy, oily, sour, fried and acidic foods.

Here are some ways suggested by Ayurveda to beat hair fall:

  • Hair growth can be stimulated by drinking fresh juices of pomegranate, carrot, spinach and kokam.
  • Sesame seeds promote hair growth as they are rich in magnesium and calcium.
  • Cow's Ghee is a trusted remedy to resolve all scalp problems.
  • Green vegetables and fruits are rich in fiber and hence help in preventing hair fall.
  • To make the roots of hair strong, foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, sulphur and zinc must be consumed, which are found in whole grains, soybeans, buttermilk, nuts and milk.

2. Ayurvedic herbs and medicated oil: bhringaraja, brahmi, amla, neem, ritha and ashwagandha are some ayurvedic herbs rich in essential nutrients that help in reducing stress and promoting hair growth. Different types of oils including coconut oil, brahmi oil, amla oil or mustard oil are useful in hair fall.

3. Yoga and meditation: Inverted asanas help in stimulating the blood flow to the head. Additionally, practicing deep breathing exercises to control anxiety, stress and keep the mind balanced is also advisable. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ayurveda.

3178 people found this helpful

Know More About Atheroslerosis!

MBBS, Dip.Cardiology, Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology(FICC), Fellowship in Echocardiology
Cardiologist, Ghaziabad
Know More About Atheroslerosis!

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. That limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your body.

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including:

Atherosclerosis usually doesn't cause symptoms until it severely narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have it until they have a medical emergency.

A physical exam, imaging, and other diagnostic tests can tell if you have it. Medicines can slow the progress of plaque buildup. Your doctor may also recommend procedures such as angioplasty to open the arteries, or surgery on the coronary or carotid arteries. Lifestyle changes can also help. These include following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress

1 person found this helpful