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Calcium
is an essential mineral required for the
normal growth. It is used in building
and repairing of bones and teeth. It is
also essential for the functioning of
the nervous system, muscle contraction,
clotting of blood, and proper heart functioning.
The maximum part of calcium is stored
in the bones and only a small amount is
present in blood.
Deficiency of calcium
affects bone and tooth formation, and
its overretention causes kidney stones.
Our body uses Vitamin D to absorb calcium.
Long-term calcium deficiency results in
osteoporosis, in which bones start deteriorating
and become prone to fractures. Calcium
also assists in the production of lymphatic
fluids.
A test for calcium
in the blood is recommended to measure
calcium level in the body. This test helps
to diagnose various conditions related
to bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and
teeth. Blood calcium level test does not
directly determine the amount of calcium
in bones, but it calculates the total
amount of calcium circulating in the blood.
Calcium test helps
to diagnose various health symptoms, such
as kidney stones, bone diseases, neurological
disorders, fatigue, loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination.
It enables the doctors to diagnose your
health problems by comparing the calcium
test results with other tests.
In the calcium
test, your doctor monitors the balance
among various elements, such as calcium,
PTH, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium
in the body. The calcium level imbalances
can cause hyper or hypocalcaemia.
The direct calculation
of free or ionized calcium is critical
for major surgeries, which include transfusion
of blood or blood products. This is more
important in case of critical patients
having abnormal protein levels. The fluctuations
in free calcium level can cause fluctuations
in heartbeat and muscular spasms. It can
even lead to confusion or coma.
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