Calcium, Serum

A serum calcium test is a blood test that measures the level of calcium in your blood. Here are some reasons why you might consider getting a serum calcium test:

Diagnose and monitor bone disorders: Calcium is an important mineral that is essential for bone health. A serum calcium test can be used to help diagnose and monitor bone disorders, such as osteoporosis or Paget’s disease.

Screen for certain medical conditions: Elevated or low levels of calcium in the blood can be a sign of certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, kidney disease, or cancer. A serum calcium test may be used as a screening tool to detect these conditions.

Monitor calcium levels in people with certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, may be at risk of developing high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) or low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). A serum calcium test can be used to monitor calcium levels in these people.

Overall, a serum calcium test can provide important information about your bone health, help diagnose or monitor certain medical conditions, and screen for conditions that affect calcium metabolism. However, it’s important to remember that a serum calcium test should always be interpreted in the context of other medical information and testing. If you have any concerns about your calcium levels or bone health, talk to your healthcare provider.