Question 1

Is there any risk associated with this test?

Accepted Answer

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Question 2

What is Hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia is a condition where the blood calcium levels are below the normal range. This may occur due to:
·        Low levels of blood protein, especially albumin
·        Hypoparathyroidism or reduced secretion of parathyroid hormones
·        Genetic resistance to parathyroid hormones
·        Dietary deficiency of calcium
·        Intolerance of dietary calcium
·        Vitamin D deficiency
·        Magnesium deficiency
·        High phosphorus concentration in blood
·        Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas)
·        Hormonal changes in women after menopause
·        Renal failure
·        Alcoholism

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Short term or mild deficiency of calcium usually produces very little symptoms. This happens because the body can augment mild calcium deficiency by releasing the calcium stored in bones. Symptoms appear in case of chronic or long term calcium deficiency.
Symptoms of Hypocalcemia include:
·        Weak and brittle hairs
·    Brittle nails
·        Thin and brittle bones which fracture easily
·        Confusion
·        Memory loss
·        Numbness and tingling sensation
·        Muscle spasms and cramps
·        Depression
·        Hallucinations
·        Seizures

Question 4

What is Hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia is the condition where blood calcium levels rise higher than the normal range. This may occur due to:
·        Hyperparathyroidism or increased secretion of parathyroid hormones
·        Hyperthyroidism or increased secretion of thyroid hormones
·        Prolonged period of immobility as in bed rest
·        Sarcoidosis, a condition that produces nodules in different organs
·        Tuberculosis
·        Overconsumption of Vitamin D
·        Treatment by thiazide diuretics
·        Kidney transplant
·        HIV/AIDS
·        Cancer

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hypercalcemia include:
·        Headache
·        Weakness and fatigue
·        Excessive urination and thirst
·        Nausea
·        Pain in abdomen
·        Constipation
·        Abnormal heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmia
·        Weak and brittle bones
·        Muscular cramps
·        Depression and irritability
·        Confusion
·        Coma

Question 6

Is there any preparation required before the Calcium test?

Accepted Answer

Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. Some medications like antacids, diuretics, lithium, Vitamin D supplements, etc. can affect the test results and may have to be stopped before testing. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Question 7

When can false results appear in the Calcium Test?

Accepted Answer

False results may appear in newborns, showing hypocalcemia. This is usually due to immature parathyroid gland. False results may also appear after a large volume blood transfusion. Some medications can elevate or lower blood calcium levels.

Question 8

What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case Calcium test result is not normal?

Accepted Answer

Others tests that may be prescribed upon the appearance of an abnormal result in the blood Calcium test include:
·        Ionized Calcium Test
·        Urine Calcium Test
·        Vitamin D Test
·        Electrolyte Panel Test
 ·       Kidney Function Test
·        Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test
·        PTH Related Peptide Test (PTHrH)
·        Electrocardiography (ECG)

Question 9

Which food items are good source of calcium?

Accepted Answer

Dietary sources form the principal source of calcium. Some very commonly available food items rich in calcium are:
·        Seeds and nuts
·        Milk and dairy products
·        Beans
·        Lentils
·        Green leafy vegetables

Question 10

What is Osteoporosis and how is it related to calcium deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis is a disease where the bone density is drastically reduced, making them very weak, brittle, and easily susceptible to fracture. Symptoms do not usually appear until there is a fracture. Osteoporosis occurs mostly due to a continuous loss of calcium and insufficient dietary replacement. Calcium is required for nerve and muscle functioning, hence any shortage of it in blood is made up by supplying calcium from the bones. This loss of bone calcium causes the bones to lose bone mass and density, making them soft and brittle.

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