What is Serum Calcium?

Serum calcium is the term that is used to identify the amount of calcium that is found in the bloodstream. As is true with many nutrients, a minimum amount of calcium in the system is necessary in order to maintain an equitable standard of health. Tests, which are often referred to as serum calcium tests, are designed to measure those current levels and make sure they are within an acceptable range. Doing so helps to prevent some of the conditions that can occur when adequate calcium levels are not present, including brittle bones, nervous conditions, and heart irregularities.

Serum calcium testing is effective both in situations of identifying when there is too much calcium in the bloodstream as well as when too little calcium is present. While many people are aware that a lack of calcium can affect blood clotting, bone strength, and heart performance, not everyone is aware that too much calcium can also lead to a number of health issues. For example, excessive serum calcium may cause blood pressure levels to drop, elevate the potential for fatigue, and also lead to irregularities in heart function that are very similar to those that occur when there is too little calcium present. This makes testing serum calcium levels all the more important if an individual is to remain healthy.

In most instances, measuring serum calcium levels is managed by drawing a small sample of blood, then testing that sample. Only a small sample is needed for the test, and can usually be drawn using a simple needle, with a doctor or nurse managing the procedure. Typically, some sort of antiseptic is used to clean the area before the needle is inserted into a vein and the small sample is extracted. Afterward, the area is bandaged, protecting the area while the puncture heals.

While there is some difference of opinion as to what constitutes a normal serum calcium level, most medical professionals hold that any reading between eight and eleven mg/dL is acceptable. In situations where calcium levels are slightly low, the doctor may recommend taking a supplement or making dietary changes that involve consuming more foods that supply calcium to the body. Should the levels be somewhat high, a physician may check magnesium levels to see if those are low and possibly not aiding the in proper absorption of the calcium into the body. Dietary changes are also likely in this instance, with the focus being on consuming less of foods that provide larger amounts of calcium.