Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (AUTOMATED)
Test Name:
TOTAL CALCIUM - (P)
Test Code: CA
Clinical Information:
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body with about 99% in bone as hydroxyapatite. The remaining 1% is distributed in various tissues and extracellular fluids. In serum, about 40% is bound to albumin, 10% is present as inorganic complexes, and 50% is present as free or ionized calcium.
Calcium determination is useful in the diagnosis and management of a variety of disorders including bone, renal, parathyroid and gastrointestinal disease.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.2 mL

Stability 3 weeks refrigerated, 8 months frozen
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
AgePlasma/serum total calcium (mmol/L)
0 - 11 m2.16 - 2.74
1 - 18 y2.31 - 2.64
19 - 59 y2.15 - 2.50
60 - 89 y2.20 - 2.55
≥ 90 y2.05 - 2.40
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information: