• 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
Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquito-Borne Diseases to Watch Out for in 2025

With changing weather patterns, longer monsoons, and rising humidity, 2025 is expected to see a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses across India. These diseases may seem common, but their symptoms can be severe—and in some cases, even fatal.

Let’s break down the mosquito-borne diseases to watch out for in 2025, their symptoms, risks, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

What Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases?

These are illnesses spread by mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites someone infected with a virus or parasite, it can carry and transmit it to the next person it bites.

Mosquitoes like Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species are the main culprits in spreading:

  • Dengue
     

  • Malaria
     

  • Chikungunya
     

  • Japanese Encephalitis
     

  • Zika Virus (less common in India)
     

 

Why 2025 Could Be a Riskier Year

Due to:

  • Heavy rainfall
     

  • Urban waterlogging
     

  • Higher humidity
     

  • Poor sanitation and stagnant water
     

…mosquito breeding will increase, especially during and after monsoon season. Experts suggest 2025 may see early outbreaks and longer illness durations.

 

1. Dengue Fever

Spread by: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (bite during the day)
Symptoms:

  • High fever
     

  • Severe headaches
     

  • Muscle and joint pain
     

  • Skin rash
     

  • Low platelet count
     

Risks: If untreated, it can develop into Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, which causes internal bleeding and organ failure.

Test to confirm:

  • Dengue NS1 Antigen (early detection)
     

  • IgM/IgG antibodies
     

 

2. Malaria

Spread by: Anopheles mosquitoes (bite at night)
Symptoms:

  • Cyclic fever and chills
     

  • Sweating
     

  • Headaches
     

  • Vomiting
     

  • Muscle pain
     

Risks:
Severe malaria can affect the brain (cerebral malaria) or kidneys. Delayed treatment is dangerous.

Test to confirm:

  • Malaria antigen test
     

  • Peripheral smear test
     

 

3. Chikungunya

Spread by: Aedes mosquitoes
Symptoms:

  • Sudden fever
     

  • Joint pain that may last weeks or months
     

  • Headache
     

  • Rash
     

  • Fatigue
     

Risks:
Chronic arthritis-like symptoms may linger long after the virus is gone.

Test to confirm:

  • Chikungunya IgM Antibody test
     

 

4. Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Spread by: Culex mosquitoes
Mostly affects: Children and young adults in rural or semi-urban areas

Symptoms:

  • High fever
     

  • Confusion
     

  • Seizures
     

  • Stiff neck
     

  • Vomiting
     

Risks:
Severe cases can lead to brain swelling, coma, or even death. JE has a vaccine available.

Test to confirm:

  • JE IgM Antibody ELISA
     

 

5. Zika Virus (Less Common but Rising Risk)

Spread by: Aedes mosquitoes
Symptoms:

  • Mild fever
     

  • Rash
     

  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
     

  • Joint pain
     

Special risk:
In pregnant women, Zika can cause birth defects like microcephaly.

Test to confirm:

  • Zika virus RT-PCR test
     

 

How to Protect Yourself in 2025

Here are easy steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce illness risk:

Use Repellents

  • Apply mosquito repellents on skin and clothes
     

  • Use plug-in vaporizers or coils at home
     

Avoid Stagnant Water

  • Clear water from flower pots, coolers, and garbage areas
     

  • Clean water tanks and gutters regularly
     

Wear Full-Sleeved Clothes

  • Cover arms and legs, especially during dawn and dusk
     

Install Nets

  • Use mosquito nets around beds and windows
     

Get Tested Early

  • If you feel feverish or have symptoms after a mosquito bite, get tested quickly from trusted labs like SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare
     

 

Conclusion

The year 2025 may bring fresh challenges in the form of rising mosquito-borne illnesses. Staying informed, preventing bites, and getting tested early are your best defenses.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Be alert, act early, and protect your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases to watch out for in 2025.

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