Calcium - Ionized
Alternate Names : Free Calcium, Ionized Calcium
Definition Ionized calcium is a test that measures the amount of free calcium (Ca++, Ca +2) in the blood. (See also serum calcium.) Ionized or free calcium is the metabolically-active portion of calcium and is not bound to proteins in the blood.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?
Serum calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor diseases of the bone or calcium regulation disorders (that is, diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys). All cells require calcium for numerous functions. Calcium is especially important in the structure of bones and teeth. Calcium is vital for muscle contraction, heart function, transmission of nerve impulses, and blood clotting.
About half of the calcium in the serum is loosely associated with proteins. The other half (which is the metabolically active portion) is called ionized calcium. The usual methods for measuring calcium measure the total calcium level (bound + free). Ionized calcium is measured when other factors complicate the interpretation of the normal serum calcium test.
If the levels of binding proteins are increased or decreased (for example, in the presence of abnormal amounts of albumin or immunoglobulins), the amount of serum calcium will appear to be increased or decreased, because it is the free calcium that is regulated hormonally by the body. In these circumstances, ionized calcium is a more reliable measure of calcium levels.
|
