• Published on: Dec 08, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is A Calcium Blood Test?

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What is a calcium blood test?

The calcium blood test is a simple and popularly used test for determining one's "risk" for a variety of diseases.  A patient will typically have in-office phlebotomy to obtain blood, with lab technicians then taking the sample to check the level of calcium in the blood with point-of-care laboratory equipment.

Due to its accuracy and low cost, it is used extensively in clinical laboratories as a screening tool for numerous conditions related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hyperparathyroidism including but not limited to increased risk of bone fractures.

The 'calcium blood test is performed to determine the calcium concentration in the blood. The level of calcium varies with age, habitation location, pregnancy status, and medications being taken. Calcium plays an important role in muscular relaxation, nerve impulse transmission, regulating vital body activity, bone metabolism, and also enables teeth mineralization.

A calcium blood test checks for an imbalance in the levels of two types of calcium in the bloodstream. It measures the level of ionized and total serum calcium. If one exceeds the other, it can be a sign that there is a problem with absorbing or regulating all types of calcium.

In recent years new research has emerged suggesting that typical Western diets—which are high in sugar intake—both promote not only diabetes but also cardiovascular disease by causing chronic stress on our body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism and to create insulin resistance, which triggers high levels of sugar-induced inflammation toxins (specifical fructose) that interfere with cellular metabolism and DNA signaling pathways.

A calcium blood test is a procedure that measures the amount of calcium in your blood. Depending on how high or low the levels are, this could mean many things. A high level of serum calcium indicates hypercalcemia. This usually occurs when there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by abnormal cells in your body, such as teratoma cancers and certain types of malignancies or polycythemia vera. The excess PTH increases renal clearance and resorption rates so you excrete more calcium than normal through urination, causing increased levels in the bloodstream. It may also occur with hyperparathyroidism (also called primary hyperparathyroidism), mineral bone disease.

The calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in the blood and is used to screen for potential health problems such as kidney disease, intestinal bypass surgery, and pseudo fractures. A pseudo proximal fracture (also known as a false fracture) is a break on an X-ray that does not occur at or near a joint. Pseudo proximal fractures are more easily seen on bone films than plain films because they show calcification throughout the length of the bone where they usually do not appear on X-rays. Pseudo proximal fractures can be caused by any injury which pulls hard enough to allow quick formation of xanthotic new bone — 24 hours — just before healing occurs.

The estrogen hormone in girls and older women controls the level of calcium in their blood. Estrogen helps make more of the protein that keeps the body's calcium in the bones. It also tightens up muscle cells so they can't let go of this stored-up calcium when a bone is resorbed; instead, it stays around to keep bones strong. This means your child will need to eat about 2,500 mg per day - many times what she needs for bone health alone - just to maintain proper function!

High dietary intake early on encourages even stronger kidney lfts among 6-year-olds with type 1 diabetes. Testosterone levels also play a role because it regulates the production of an enzyme necessary for normal blood.

This blood test measures the level of calcium in someone's blood. The inverse correlation between bone density and fracture risk may have led to a common belief that increases in circulating levels of calcitriol, consistent with an increase in dietary intake, should be associated with a higher bone mineral content and a lower occurrence of fractures.

One way to measure calcium during a blood test is with the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. If PTH levels are low, it may suggest the body does not need more calcium. Low or absent levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) may indicate:

  • the bone marrow has been destroyed and is no longer synthesizing new red blood cells
  • high liver fibrosis interfering with the production of PTH by the thyroid gland
  • irreversible kidney damage or chronic renal failure

Lower than average levels for this exam would include goiter/low iodine intake, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, malabsorption such as celiac disease. Higher

The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the person's bloodstream. Certain heart or kidney problems can show up on this particular type of test, but it is more commonly used to detect hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is generally caused by cancer cells which are rapidly increasing in number and will often cause symptoms that include bone pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. It can also sometimes lead to arrhythmias or altered mental states.

A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This reveals how much protein you're breaking down to provide your tissues with extra energy because protein is broken down into its main component--glucose (or sugar).

Osteoporosis, osteopenia, or bone fracture prevention.

High levels of vitamin D deficiency.

Metabolic acidosis (not enough acid in bloodstream) .

Kidney failure.

Lactate buildup due to anaerobic metabolism. The body switches from aerobic metabolism for simple tasks to anaerobic metabolism when you run out of oxygen during intense exercise, causing lactate accumulation that can lead to fatigue.

Read Blog
Food Poisoning in Monsoon

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon

Monsoon brings relief from the heat—but along with cool breezes and rains come increased chances of infections, especially food poisoning. The high moisture in the air creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making food more likely to spoil and cause illness.

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to stay safe with easy, practical tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

 

Why Is Food Poisoning So Common in Monsoon?

The damp and humid conditions during the rainy season promote bacterial and fungal growth. This contamination can easily affect the food we eat and the water we drink.

Common causes of food poisoning in monsoon include:

  • Eating contaminated street food
     

  • Drinking unfiltered or untreated water
     

  • Improper storage or refrigeration
     

  • Eating undercooked or reheated leftovers
     

Symptoms can range from mild stomach pain to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—and can become serious if not treated on time.

 

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon: Easy Tips

Let’s go step by step into what you should do (and not do) during this season to avoid foodborne illness:

 

1. Avoid Street Food and Raw Salads

Street vendors often use unclean water and keep food exposed to dust, flies, and pollution. In monsoon, this risk becomes even higher.

What to avoid:

  • Chaat, golgappas, sandwiches from carts
     

  • Cut fruits or raw vegetables sold outside
     

  • Juices from roadside stalls
     

Instead, eat home-cooked meals where you can control the hygiene.

 

2. Drink Only Boiled or Purified Water

Unfiltered water is a major cause of stomach infections during monsoon. Make sure your drinking water is:

  • Boiled for 10 minutes, or
     

  • Filtered using a RO/UV purifier, or
     

  • Packaged from a trusted brand
     

Avoid consuming water-based drinks like sherbets or ice made with unclean water.

 

3. Eat Fresh and Hot Food

In monsoon, bacteria multiply quickly. Avoid eating food that has been left out for hours.

Tips:

  • Eat freshly cooked meals while still warm
     

  • Avoid reheating food multiple times
     

  • Don't leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
     

 

4. Refrigerate Perishables Quickly

Your fridge is your best friend in this season—but only if you use it right.

Refrigeration tips:

  • Store cooked food in airtight containers
     

  • Don't keep raw meat and vegetables together
     

  • Use leftovers within 24 hours
     

  • Check for expired or spoiled food regularly
     

 

5. Clean Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Rainwater often brings mud and germs to fresh produce. Even greens from the market can carry bacteria and insect eggs.

Cleaning tips:

  • Wash produce thoroughly with clean water
     

  • Use salt water or vinegar soak for 10–15 minutes to disinfect
     

  • Peel fruits like mangoes and bananas before eating
     

  • Avoid leafy vegetables that are difficult to clean, like spinach and lettuce
     

 

6. Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene

Contamination often starts in your kitchen.

Hygiene habits to follow:

  • Wash hands before and after handling food
     

  • Keep utensils and chopping boards dry and clean
     

  • Don't let water collect on kitchen surfaces
     

  • Wash dish cloths and sponges regularly
     

 

Related Health Checkups to Consider

If you're experiencing stomach problems or want to monitor your digestive health during monsoon, these lab tests (available via SecondMedic powered by Thyrocare) may help:

???? Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Checks for infections or inflammation.

???? Stool Routine & Culture Test

Detects bacterial infections, parasites, or digestive disorders.

???? CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

Shows whether your body is fighting an infection.

???? Food Intolerance Test

For people with recurring food-related digestive issues.

All tests come with home sample collection and online report access at www.secondmedic.com.

 

Foods You Can Eat During Monsoon

Here are some healthy, safe food choices during the rainy season:

  • Warm soups and khichdi – light and easy to digest
     

  • Steamed vegetables – safer than raw
     

  • Ginger tea – helps digestion
     

  • Turmeric milk – natural immunity booster
     

  • Boiled eggs or well-cooked lean meat
     

Avoid oily, uncooked, or refrigerated food that’s more than a day old.

 

Conclusion

Monsoon brings beauty, but also bacteria. Staying safe is all about being smart with your food and water. By following simple hygiene rules and eating fresh, clean food, you can enjoy the season without worrying about stomach issues.

Be alert, eat smart, and protect your family by following these tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

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