Calcium

The Calcium test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions, including bone formation and maintenance, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and enzyme regulation. The majority of calcium in the body is stored in bones, with a small fraction circulating in the blood. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated by various hormones, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D, to maintain homeostasis. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate underlying health conditions, such as hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), which may be associated with various medical disorders, including hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, certain cancers, and bone disorders. The Calcium test is commonly ordered by healthcare providers to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting calcium metabolism, evaluate bone health, assess kidney function, and guide medical management.