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A member asked:
Is there a difference between a calcium vs. ionized calcium test?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: Calcium has a positive electrical charge; many proteins have a negative electrical charge. So, the opposite charges can cause calcium can bind to proteins. The test for serum calcium measures all of the calcium in the blood (bound & unbound). The ionized calcium measures just the unbound.
Answered 3/29/2018
5.9k views
Yes : A total calcium is dependent on your Albumin level, which is a blood protein to which calcium is bound. The ionized calcium is a measure of unbound calcium (physiologically available) & may be more accurate in terms of estimating available calcium. However, special handling of blood sample and difficulty performing this test in a lab makes it more expensive.
Answered 3/29/2018
5.7k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Blood tests have come back with slightly elevated total calcium levels: 10.3-11 mg/dL. over 3 months. PTH was tested but without calcium with a value of 36pg/mL. Ionized calcium was 5.1. Could this be parathyroidism? Ive had joint pain for months to?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I have mild kidney disease and nephropathy . My blood test shows low ionized calcium and my urine test shows increased calcium loss. I have symptoms of cramping all over. What is the treatment for this?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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What's the difference between calcium and ionized calcium blood test? Thank you.
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