Calcium, Serum

Code

0870

Principle

The majority of calcium in the body is present in bones. The remainder of the calcium is in serum and has various functions. For example, calcium ions decrease neuromuscular excitability, participate in blood coagulation, and activate some enzymes. Hypercalcemia can result from hyperparathyroidism, hypervitaminosis D, multiple myeloma, and some neoplastic diseases of bone. Long term lithium therapy has been reported to cause hyperparathyroidism in some individuals, with resulting hypercalcemia.

Preanalytical

1 mL Serum Refrigerated

Turn Around Time

1 day

Methodology

Arsenazo III