Medical professionals test for calcium levels by doing blood tests. If the results are below the normal level of calcium in the blood, then doctors complete additional, more specific blood tests. Hypocalcemia occurs when the amount of calcium circulating in the blood is below normal range. The disorder can result in weakening of the bones and osteoporosis. The goal is to identify the underlying issue and to treat it.

Basic Metabolic Panel

Serum calcium levels can be tested during a routine basic metabolic panel (BMP). The BMP test also checks glucose, sodium, potassium, CO2, chloride and creatinine levels. If the test results indicate below normal serum calcium, then your doctor will likely want to repeat the test to rule out a false positive result.

Confirmation

A second test may be used to confirm the initial results. Repeat the test by taking blood out of a vein in the arm into a transport tube. The laboratory processes the collected sample in the tube and then faxes the results to the doctor. If the second test confirms the first results, then the doctor proceeds toward a diagnosis of the causes.

Causes

Additional blood testing may check for ionized calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels. Some patients with suspected kidney disorders may take a timed urine collection test to measure the amount of calcium in the urine. No preparation is required for either the urine or blood tests to measure calcium. Follow-up testing is usually required, especially for those with chronic illnesses.

Source:

ARUP Testing Laboratory website: Calcium, serum or plasma test directory

Lab Tests Online website: Calcium test information

Resource:

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements website: Fact Sheet on Calcium