Calcium

What the laboratory says this test is for

The assay is useful in making the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and a differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia. The assay helps in distinguishing hypercalcemia caused by either primary hyperparathyroidism or malignant disease.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This quantitative test, performed with a 24-hour urine specimen, may help screen for hypercalciuria, one of the established risk factors for kidney stone formation [1-3]. This test may also help assess metabolic disorders of calcium metabolism, such as hyperparathyroidism, bone disease, and idiopathic hypercalciuria. In general, 24-hour urine specimens are preferred to random urine specimens when measuring calcium for diagnostic evaluation of hypercalciuria [1].Calcium is essential for bone formation and nerve, muscle, and heart functions. Calcium metabolism is jointly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D metabolites. Urinary calcium excretion is the major route of calcium elimination and reflects kidney tubular filtration and reabsorption of calcium in addition to dietary intake, intestinal absorption, and bone resorption [2].Urinary calcium levels may be elevated in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria, chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, Paget disease of bone, sarcoidosis, or conditions that infiltrate and destroy bones (eg, multiple myeloma and a variety of metastatic cancers) [2,3]. Urinary calcium levels may be decreased in patients with hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency rickets, osteomalacia, or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia [2,3].Note that use of calcium supplements and loop diuretics may cause increased urinary calcium levels; thiazide diuretics may cause decreased urinary calcium levels [3].This test is also available with creatinine (Calcium, 24-Hour Urine with Creatinine). Because daily urine excretion of creatinine generally shows minimal fluctuation, creatinine excretion is useful in determining whether 24-hour urine specimens for calcium have been completely and accurately collected [2].The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.References1. Williams JC Jr, et al. Urolithiasis. 2021;49(1):1-16.2. Rifai N, et al. eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elservier Inc; 20223. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Calcium-urine. Accessed September 1, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003603.htm

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is usually ordered to monitor patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or as part of a health examination for individuals at high risk of developing kidney diseases [1].Kidney disease is more likely to develop in individuals with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease. Early symptoms of kidney diseases are often non-specific. This panel is commonly ordered during wellness checks and emergency-room admissions when symptoms and signs are suggestive of kidney diseases. National Kidney Foundation recommends a kidney profile containing estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin-creatinine ratio for detecting and monitoring CKD [1].The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.References1. Laboratory engagement plan: transforming kidney disease detection. National Kidney Foundation Laboratory Engagement Advisory Group. Published February 2018. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/get-involved-pdfs/istp-ckd/laboratory-engagement-plan.pdf

What the laboratory says this test is for

Serum calcium is involved in the regulation of neuromuscular and enzyme activity, bone metabolism and blood coagulation. Calcium blood levels are controlled by a complex interaction of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin and adrenal cortical steroids. Calcium measurements are useful in the diagnosis of parathyroid disease, some bone disorders and chronic renal disease. A low level of calcium may result in tetany.

What the laboratory says this test is for

See individual tests

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is usually ordered to monitor patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or as part of a health examination for individuals at high risk of developing kidney diseases [1].Kidney disease is more likely to develop in individuals with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease. Early symptoms of kidney diseases are often non-specific. This panel is commonly ordered during wellness checks and emergency-room admissions when symptoms and signs are suggestive of kidney diseases. National Kidney Foundation recommends a kidney profile containing estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin-creatinine ratio for detecting and monitoring CKD [1].The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.References1. Laboratory engagement plan: transforming kidney disease detection. National Kidney Foundation Laboratory Engagement Advisory Group. Published February 2018. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/get-involved-pdfs/istp-ckd/laboratory-engagement-plan.pdf

What the laboratory says this test is for

UroRisk® Panel is recommended for initial and recurrent stone formers (excluding patients with Struvite stones).

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel comprises a group of 8 specific tests that provide information on the status of an individual?s blood electrolytes, glucose levels, kidney status, and acid-base balance. The panel is usually ordered as part of a routine health examination or physical [1].The Basic Metabolic Panel is also commonly ordered during hospital and emergency-room admission, and to monitor the metabolism and vital signs of hospitalized individuals with conditions, such as hypertension, who are being treated with diuretics or other appropriate interventions. [1].Significant changes in electrolytes, acid-base balance, renal function, and blood glucose may be associated with kidney failure, respiratory distress, and impaired cognitive status. Changes in sodium, potassium, and calcium alter the excitability of neurons, cardiac, and skeletal muscles that can produce arrhythmias, weakness, and spasms/tremors [1].Basic metabolic panel test results are usually evaluated in conjunction with one another for patterns of results. A single abnormal test result could be indicative of something different than if more than 1 of the test results are abnormal. Many conditions can cause abnormal results, including kidney failure, respiratory distress, and diabetes-related complications [1].The section below outlines the roles of the analytes assessed with this panel [1].Sodium: Plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and osmotic pressure.Potassium: Essential for proper muscle and nerve function.Chloride: Helps keep the balance of fluids, maintain blood volume, stabilize blood pressure, and balance the pH of body fluids.CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate): Used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance.Glucose: A critical energy source for cells and organs. Used to diagnose diabetes and hypoglycemia.Calcium: Essential for nerve, muscle, and heart functions and bone formation.BUN (blood urea nitrogen): Evaluation of kidney function.Creatinine: Useful for diagnosis of renal insufficiency and estimation of glomerular filtration rate.References1. Rao LV, et al. Laboratory tests. In Rao LV, eds. Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis. 11th ed. New York, NY: Wolters Kluwer; 2020, 6-463.

What the laboratory says this test is for

StoneRisk® Panel is for stone formers with a positive urine culture indicating urinary tract infection (UTI), also for recurrent stone formers or when attending physician deems it medically necessary for the patient to have comprehensive metabolic evaluation.