Adjusted calcium blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Calcium is essential for bones, teeth, muscle contraction, nerve signalling and heart rhythm. Most calcium in the blood travels bound to albumin, a protein made by the liver, so if albumin is low or high the total calcium reading can be misleading. Adjusted calcium corrects the total figure for your albumin level, which is why all three are reported together.

Calcium levels are tightly controlled by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, with the kidneys and gut also playing a part. A stable adjusted calcium suggests that these systems are working in balance, while a persistently high or low value can point towards a parathyroid, vitamin D or kidney issue.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have had a high or low calcium on a previous test and want it rechecked.
• You take vitamin D or calcium supplements and want to make sure your level is not too high.
• You have been told you have low bone density or osteoporosis.
• You have symptoms such as tiredness, thirst, muscle cramps or tingling and want calcium checked.
• You take a medicine that can affect calcium, such as lithium or a thiazide diuretic.

Understanding your result

Your report shows total calcium, albumin and adjusted calcium against the laboratory reference range, with adjusted calcium usually the figure your practitioner focuses on. A raised level is most often linked to an overactive parathyroid gland or to taking too much vitamin D, and less often to other medical causes. A low level can come with low vitamin D, low magnesium, kidney problems or an underactive parathyroid.

Small changes are common and often settle on a repeat test. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, and your practitioner may suggest parathyroid hormone, vitamin D or kidney tests to find the cause, rather than treating it as a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not usually needed for this test. If you take calcium or vitamin D supplements, take them after your appointment on the day rather than before. Keep taking prescribed medicines as normal and let us know what you take. Very calcium-rich drinks or antacids just before the test are best avoided.

Calcium balance depends on vitamin D, so our vitamin D test is a natural partner. Kidney health also matters, and our kidney function tests cover it. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick for more options.

Questions

How much is an adjusted calcium blood test in Chiswick?

The Adjusted Calcium test costs £49. This includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Why is calcium adjusted for albumin?

About half of the calcium in blood is bound to albumin. Adjusting for albumin gives a truer estimate of the active calcium your body uses.

What does a high calcium mean?

It is most often linked to an overactive parathyroid gland or too much vitamin D. Your practitioner may suggest further tests and a conversation with your GP.

Do I need to fast?

No, fasting is not usually needed. Simply take any calcium or vitamin D supplements after your blood test.