Calcium, Ionized, Serum
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
About half of blood calcium is "free" or ionized, and this is the active form. Measuring ionized calcium is more accurate than total calcium when albumin is abnormal or in seriously ill patients.
Why is this test done?
- Check calcium accurately in critical illness
- Investigate abnormal total calcium
- Monitor parathyroid or kidney disease
- During and after blood transfusions or surgery
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Muscle cramps or tingling around mouth
- Weakness and tiredness
- Kidney stones
- Confusion or irregular heartbeat
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High ionized calcium is usually due to overactive parathyroid glands or cancer.
Common reasons- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Cancer spread to bones
- Excess vitamin D
If your result is low
Low ionized calcium can cause cramps, tingling and heart rhythm problems.
Common reasons- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low parathyroid hormone
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis or massive blood transfusion
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.