Calcium Test

. Vitamin 25 - hydroxy is required to produce an active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin known to help the body absorb calcium and phosphorus required for building bone. The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the best way to monitor vitamin D levels. This test is prescribed to determine possible Vitamin D deficiency, problems related to bone metabolism or parathyroid function, or malabsorption. It may also be indicated in certain health conditions that involve the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract.

The serum phosphorus test measures the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth and is important for nerve and muscle functioning. The elevated levels of serum phosphorus, called hyperphosphatemia, indicate chronic kidney diseases, which may lead to cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, lower levels of serum phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) can lead to softening of bones in children (rickets) and in adults (osteomalacia). The serum phosphorus test is done to check phosphate levels in case of bone and kidney disease, determine the cause of the abnormal levels of Vitamin D and observe levels while intake of phosphorus and calcium supplements.

A serum albumin test examines the amount of albumin in the body. Albumin is a protein that is made by the liver. The serum albumin test is done as a part of the routine check-up and can aid in diagnosing liver disorder, kidney disease, malnutrition, unintended weight loss, and chronic kidney disease, as lower albumin serum levels increase the risk for CKD progression.

A serum calcium test evaluates calcium levels in the blood. These tests are of two types, total and ionized calcium. Total calcium is a part of a routine screening test. A doctor may ask for a calcium test if one has a pre-existing condition that may affect calcium levels, like Kidney disease, Thyroid disease, and Malnutrition. Serum calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor bone diseases.

The ionized calcium test estimates the levels free calcium; it is a type of calcium that is not attached to proteins. All cells need calcium to work; it helps build strong bones and teeth as it is essential for bone mineralization and is important for heart and muscle contraction, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and secretion of hormones and enzymes. Low ionized calcium levels can cause increased or decreased heart rate, muscle spasms, and coma. Ionized calcium test is indicated in individuals if there are signs of numbness around the mouth or in the hands and feet, in case of muscle spasms, in patients on blood transfusions or severely ill and receiving intravenous (IV) fluids, and individuals with abnormal levels of proteins in the blood. This test is also indicated in cases of neonatal hypocalcemia (decreased levels of calcium in blood) due to immature parathyroid gland, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism/ hypoparathyroidism, etc.

Vitamin D, 1, 25 - dihydroxy is the biologically active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus required for building bone. The Vitamin D, 1- 25 Dihydroxy blood test checks if the person is vitamin D deficient or sufficient and assists with the differential diagnosis of bone and joint diseases. Vitamin D test is mostly preferred in the presence of musculoskeletal signs or symptoms like joint pains, muscle weakness, joint deformity, risk of fractures, etc. A Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy Blood Test is prescribed to determine problems related to bone metabolism or parathyroid function, possible Vitamin D deficiency, or malabsorption. It may also be indicated in certain health conditions that involve the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract.