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A member asked:
What is the true measure of hypocalcemia? low ionized calcium, or low calcium? thank you.
3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Ionized: Hi. Ionized calcium, done right, is the BEST measure of hypocalcemia (or hypercalcemia). Total calcium taking albumin into account is good, but ionized is the gold standard.
Answered 9/27/2014
3.7k views
Hypocalcemia: Ionized calcium levels give more information about ACTIVE, ionized calcium. If you have abnormal levels of proteins, such as albumin, or immunoglobins in your blood, or have recently had a transfusion of a blood product it may be important to know your ionized calcium levels. If you are otherwise healthy then the total calcium level is what we use to define hypocalcemia.
Answered 1/29/2016
3.7k views
Depends on context: More information is needed, especially in regards to a correction factor against the serum albumin in hypocalcemia. Ionized calcium is a good measure too, but again, context is necessary. Please see your doctor to help you with clinical context of laboratory values, because the values are not really significant until they are applied to your clinical situation.
Answered 9/27/2014
3.7k views
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