Kidney & Electrolytes
Calcium
Kidney & Electrolytes
Essential mineral for bones, muscles and nerve function.
VAT-exempt medical service
Although 99 % of the body's calcium is stored in bones and teeth, the remaining 1 % in the blood is biologically critical. Blood calcium is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. This test measures total circulating calcium, which reflects how well these regulatory systems are working. It does not indicate bone calcium status -- a separate DEXA scan is needed for that.
Testing calcium is recommended if you have symptoms suggesting a disorder of the kidneys, bones, thyroid, or parathyroid, or if your levels of calcium have been previously abnormal. It is also part of many routine health panels and is useful for monitoring patients taking calcium or vitamin D supplements.
What a high value can mean
High calcium (hypercalcaemia) is most often caused by hyperparathyroidism or cancer. Other causes include tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, excess vitamin D intake, and medications such as thiazide diuretics, lithium, and tamoxifen. Symptoms range from fatigue and nausea to kidney stones and bone pain.
What a low value can mean
Low calcium (hypocalcaemia) is most commonly due to low albumin levels (from liver disease or malnutrition). Other causes include hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and malabsorption. Severe cases can lead to muscle spasms, numbness, and seizures.
No advance preparation is needed. Bring a valid ID.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
No. A blood calcium test measures calcium circulating in the blood, not bone density. A DEXA scan is required to assess bone calcium.
Yes. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption from the gut. Low vitamin D can lead to low blood calcium even if dietary intake is adequate.
Follow your doctor's advice. In most cases you can continue supplements, but inform the lab so results can be interpreted correctly.
About half of blood calcium is bound to the protein albumin. If albumin is low, total calcium will appear low even if the active (ionised) calcium is normal.