CALCIUM

"Clinical Significance
Calcium - Serum calcium is involved in the regulation of neuromuscular and enzyme activity, bone metabolism and blood coagulation. Calcium blood levels are controlled by a complex interaction of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin and adrenal cortical steroids. Calcium measurements are useful in the diagnosis of parathyroid disease, some bone disorders and chronic renal disease. A low level of calcium may result in tetany.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Alternative Specimen(s)
Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria
Anticoagulants other than heparin

Setup Schedule"

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Reference Range(s)
     Male (mg/dL)    Female (mg/dL)
<1 month:    8.4-10.6    8.4-10.6
1-11 months:    8.7-10.5    8.7-10.5
1-3 years:    8.5-10.6    8.5-10.6
4-19 years:    8.9-10.4    8.9-10.4
20-49 years:    8.6-10.3    8.6-10.2
>49 years:    8.6-10.3    8.6-10.4