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HelpTest Code CA Calcium
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB53
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Type
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Green top (Lithium heparin)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.10 mL
Specimen Stability
Room temperature 7 days
Refrigerated 3 weeks
Frozen 8 months
Reference Range
0 - 10 days: 7.6 - 10.4 mg/dL
10 days - 2 years: 9.0 - 11.0 mg/dL
2 - 19 years: 8.8 - 10.8 mg/dL
19 - 70 years: 8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL
70 - 150 years: 7.9 - 10.2 mg/dL
IFMC NICU/PICU Only
0 - 28 days: 9.0 - 11.0 mg/dL
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, hemolyzed.
Report Available
Same day
Clinical Significance
The majority of calcium in the body is present in bones. The remainder of the calcium is in serum and has various functions. For example, calcium ions decrease neuromuscular excitability, participate in blood coagulation, and activate some enzymes.
As part of the BMP and CMP, abnormal calcium levels lead to other underlying causes. Hypercalcemia may be seen in cancer, especially bone cancer, hypervitaminosis D, kidney transplant, multiple myeloma, tuberculosis, and in hyperparathyroidism. Long-term lithium therapy may cause hyperparathyroidism, with resulting hypercalcemia.
Hypocalcemia can be seen in malabsorption, alcoholism, hypoalbuminemia, hypoparathyroidism, renal insufficiency and acute pancreatitis. Low dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D deficiency, may be other causes.
Method Name
Arsenazo III
Limitations
For serum, hemolysis increase results by up to 4%. Bilirubin may decrease results by 2%. Intralipid can increase results by up to 6%.
Interferences from medications or endogenous substances may
affect results.
LOINC
17861-6
Day(s) Performed
Daily