• What symptoms may indicate a low ionized calcium level?

Low calcium levels may cause tingling or numbness around the mouth and in the fingers, muscle cramps, seizures, and disturbances in heart rhythm.

• When is this test used for surgical patients?

It is used to evaluate the calcium status of patients undergoing major blood transfusions or those who have recently had parathyroid surgery.

• Is fasting necessary for the ionized calcium test?

No, fasting is not required for this laboratory blood test.

Medical Laboratories

Measure Active Calcium Levels Accurately

Ionized Calcium Serum Test

This test measures the biologically active form of ionized calcium, providing an accurate assessment of nerve and muscle functions in critical cases not detected by total calcium tests.

Trusted medical contentUpdated: 04-09-2026Views: 57LHL-2024

About this service

A precise biochemical test to measure the concentration of ionized (free) calcium in blood serum, which is the physiologically active biological form of calcium that is not bound to proteins. This measurement is more accurate than total calcium measurement in assessing the actual calcium status in the body, especially in critical cases, acid-base balance disorders, and patients with abnormal albumin levels.

Conditions and notices

Fasting is not required

Fasting: Fasting for 8-12 hours.

Method of collection: Sample collection without the use of a tourniquet or with the shortest possible time for ligation.

Sample handling: The sample must be transferred to ice and analyzed within one hour of being drawn in order to obtain accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the FAQs published with this service.

• What does the Ionized Calcium Serum Test measure?

This biochemical test measures the concentration of ionized or free calcium in the blood, which represents the biologically active form that is not bound to proteins.

• Which patient groups are specifically targeted for this analysis?

The test is primarily intended for patients in intensive care units, individuals with chronic or acute kidney disease, those suspected of having parathyroid gland dysfunction, and patients with specific cancers such as breast or lung cancer.

• What are the symptoms associated with high ionized calcium levels?

Symptoms of elevated calcium include lethargy, physical weakness, depression, nausea, constipation, extreme thirst, and an increase in urination.

Measure Active Calcium Levels Accurately

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Conditions and notices

Frequently Asked Questions

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