A calculation that adjusts total calcium for albumin, helping reflect active calcium when proteins vary.
Albumin-corrected calcium is a calculated value, not a separate blood test. About half of the calcium in blood is bound to the protein albumin, and only the unbound fraction is biologically active.
When albumin is low or high, total calcium can look misleadingly low or high. The correction adjusts the measured total calcium for the albumin level to give a truer picture of calcium status.
A common correction adds roughly 0.02 mmol/L of calcium for every 1 g/L that albumin falls below 40 g/L. This stops low albumin, which is common in illness, from masking a normal or high active calcium.
A high corrected value can point to overactive parathyroid glands or certain cancers. A low corrected value can signal low parathyroid activity, vitamin D deficiency or kidney problems.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
| Measure | Adult range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Albumin-corrected calcium | 2.2 to 2.6 mmol/L |
This matches the total calcium range. The correction formula varies between labs, so values are guidance. Ionised calcium is the definitive measure when accuracy is critical.
The correction is an approximation and performs poorly in severe protein disturbances, abnormal pH or critical illness. Different labs use different formulas, so corrected values are not directly comparable. When precise calcium status matters, measured ionised calcium is preferred.
Read with albumin, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. Ionised calcium confirms borderline results.
What does an albumin-corrected calcium result mean? It estimates your calcium after adjusting for albumin. Higher suggests more available calcium; lower suggests less. Confirm with ionized calcium if unsure.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting isn’t required. If safe, skip calcium or vitamin D doses the morning of your test.
What can affect my result? Dehydration, IV fluids, recent hard exercise, pregnancy, and medicines like thiazides, lithium, or supplements can shift results.
How often should I test it? Timing depends on your situation. People with calcium or parathyroid concerns, kidney disease, or medicine changes may need periodic checks.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, all medicines and supplements, and ask if ionized calcium, PTH, vitamin D, magnesium, or kidney tests are needed.
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