Calcium

3007

cpt

normal turn-around time

assays included

specimen type

minimum required

82435

24 hours

Serum or Plasma; 24 hour urine

1 mL of serum or heparinized plasma; 1 mL of 24 hour urine

collection instructions

Collect blood in a serum separator tube (SST) or a lithium heparin tube.
Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes if using an SST.
Centrifuge and separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Collect urine over a 24-hour period in appropriate container.
Transport the specimen at 2-8°C if not tested within 2 hours.

collection instructions

Hemolysis: Red blood cell destruction can affect test results.
Clotted Specimen: Plasma specimens must be anticoagulated.
Improper Labeling: Specimen must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers.
Insufficient Quantity: Volume less than 1 mL may not be sufficient for all tests.
Delayed Transportation: Specimens must be processed and tested within the specified time frame to ensure accuracy.
Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within 2 hours and kept refrigerated if there is any delay in testing.
Lipemia: Excessive fat in the blood can interfere with certain test results

clinical significance

The Calcium test measures the total calcium level in the blood, which is crucial for various physiological functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate conditions such as hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which may be associated with disorders of
the parathyroid gland, kidney disease, bone disorders, or vitamin D deficiency.