A quick blood test that checks your calcium level, important for bones, muscles, nerves, and heart.
Calcium is a mineral best known for building bones and teeth, but the calcium measured in your blood also plays a constant role in muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting, and a steady heartbeat.
Only about one percent of your body's calcium is in the blood. Hormones, mainly parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, keep this blood level very tightly controlled, drawing on the calcium stored in bone when needed.
A calcium test checks whether this tightly controlled balance is working. High calcium (hypercalcemia) can point to overactive parathyroid glands, some cancers, or too much vitamin D, and may cause thirst, kidney stones, and tiredness.
Low calcium (hypocalcemia) can come from vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, or low parathyroid activity, and may cause tingling and muscle cramps. Because about half of blood calcium is bound to the protein albumin, results are often interpreted with an albumin-corrected value.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Ranges are guidance and vary by laboratory and method.
| Group | Reference range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Adults (total calcium) | 2.15 to 2.55 mmol/L |
Often reported with an albumin-corrected value. Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL). Always interpret against your own lab's range.
Low or high albumin changes total calcium without changing the active (ionised) amount, so an albumin correction is used. A prolonged tourniquet can falsely raise the reading. Thiazide diuretics, lithium, and high-dose vitamin D or calcium supplements affect true levels.
Best read together with albumin (for correction), parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and phosphate.
What does a calcium blood test show? It shows the calcium level in your blood, which supports bones, muscles, nerves, and heart.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Eat and drink normally unless your clinician orders other fasting labs.
What can affect results? Hydration, supplements like calcium or vitamin D, thiazide diuretics, lithium, antacids, pregnancy, and long bed rest can change levels. Tell the lab about medicines and high-dose supplements.
How often should I test? It’s often part of routine panels or checked when symptoms or conditions warrant. Your clinician may recheck to confirm a change or monitor treatment.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Ask whether albumin, ionized calcium, PTH, vitamin D, magnesium, or kidney tests are needed to clarify your result.
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