Calcium Total & Ionized

Calcium is a mineral found in the body responsible for many vital functions like maintaining bone strength, muscles, nerve function, and blood clotting. It is usually present in two forms in blood- "bound calcium," which is attached to proteins in the blood, and "free calcium or ionized calcium," which is not attached to any protein. Calcium Total & Ionized test individually measures both free & total calcium in the blood. This test is done as part of routine health checkups or if you have symptoms of abnormal calcium levels, such as excessive urination and thirst, constipation, irregular heartbeat, brittle nails, weak and brittle bones, muscle cramps, irritability, or confusion. It may also be done to diagnose diseases that may cause calcium abnormalities, such as thyroid and parathyroid disorders, heart diseases, kidney diseases, bone disorders, and dental diseases and disorders that affect how your intestines absorb nutrients like calcium. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with the normal functioning of the heart and brain. Ionized calcium is the free calcium floating in the blood and is metabolically active.