When is a Calcium Test Requested?
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the corrected calcium test?

  • To measure the total calcium in the blood
  • To diagnose kidney stones
  • To adjust the measured calcium value for albumin concentration (correct)
  • To measure the ionized calcium in the blood
  • What is the purpose of measuring urine calcium levels?

  • To check for neurologic disorders
  • To determine calcium excretion by the kidneys (correct)
  • To monitor kidney function
  • To diagnose bone disease
  • Which of the following hormones helps regulate calcium levels in the blood?

  • Parathyroid hormone
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcitonin
  • All of the above (correct)
  • What is the primary reason for requesting a calcium test?

    <p>To investigate symptoms related to the bones, heart, nerves, and kidneys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of calcium test measures the calcium that is unattached from certain proteins in the blood?

    <p>Ionized calcium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is albumin concentration important when measuring calcium levels?

    <p>Because it affects the total calcium concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient presents with symptoms of excessive thirst and frequent urination. Which of the following tests would be most appropriate to order?

    <p>Blood calcium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions can cause a low blood calcium level?

    <p>Vitamin D deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the preferred specimen for a calcium test?

    <p>Serum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended storage temperature for serum calcium samples for a period of 10 days?

    <p>4°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normal blood calcium level for adults?

    <p>8.5 to 10.2 milligrams/deciliter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient with a serum albumin level of 3.5 g/dL has a serum calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL. What is the corrected calcium level?

    <p>9.4 mg/dL</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most likely cause of hypercalcemia?

    <p>Hyperparathyroidism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions can cause hypocalcemia?

    <p>Vitamin D deficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Importance of Calcium

    • Calcium is essential for muscle, nerve, and heart function, as well as blood clotting and bone and teeth formation.

    Types of Calcium Blood Tests

    • Total calcium: measures calcium attached to proteins in blood and "free" calcium
    • Ionized calcium: measures "free" calcium, unattached to proteins
    • Corrected calcium: adjusts total calcium for albumin concentration to reflect "ionized" levels

    Regulation of Calcium in the Blood

    • Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
    • 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D (Vitamin D)
    • Calcitonin

    When is Calcium Testing Requested?

    • Kidney stones, bone disease, or neurologic disorders
    • Kidney disease, thyroid disease, intestinal disease, cancer, or poor nutrition
    • Symptoms of excessive or low calcium levels

    Sample Collection and Preparation

    • Fresh serum collected in the fasting state
    • Serum or plasma should be separated from blood cells quickly to prevent altered calcium values
    • Calcium in serum is stable for 7 days at room temperature, 10 days refrigerated, and 1 month frozen

    Calcium Determination Procedure

    • Colorimetric methods used for calcium determination
    • Mix, incubate, and measure absorbance of specimen and standard against reagent blank

    Expected Value

    • Normal blood calcium level for adults: 8.5-10.2 milligrams/deciliter
    • Corrected calcium formula: serum calcium + 0.8 * (4 - serum albumin)

    Interpretation of Results

    • Hypercalcemia: hyperparathyroidism, cancer, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, acute kidney injury, excess Vitamin D intake
    • Hypocalcemia: hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure, hypomagnesemia, pancreatitis, celiac disease, or malabsorption

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    Description

    This quiz covers the scenarios in which a doctor may request a calcium test, including kidney disease, symptoms of excessive or low calcium, and various medical conditions.

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