Red cell calcium blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all of it is stored in bones and teeth, and the small amount in the blood is tightly controlled by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D because it is vital for nerve signals, muscle contraction and heart rhythm. The routine NHS test measures calcium in serum, the liquid part of the blood.

This test instead measures calcium within red blood cells. Red cells hold far less calcium than serum, and red cell calcium is not part of standard NHS practice, so it is best regarded as a complementary measurement that may add detail when read alongside serum calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone results rather than as a test for deficiency on its own.

The 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 follow a dairy-free or restrictive diet and want a fuller look at your mineral status.
• You have muscle cramps or twitching and are reviewing possible nutritional factors with a practitioner.
• You have already had a serum calcium test and would like an additional measure.
• You take calcium or vitamin D supplements and want to discuss your levels.
• You are interested in bone health and want a practitioner to explain how the different calcium tests relate.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your red cell calcium level against the laboratory reference range. Because blood calcium is held steady by hormones, an unusual red cell result rarely tells the whole story, and your practitioner will usually want to see it alongside serum calcium, vitamin D and kidney function.

Any value outside the range is a reason to talk it through, rather than a diagnosis. If your serum calcium is abnormal, or you have symptoms such as severe thirst, confusion or palpitations, your GP should review you.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed for this test. Please tell us about any calcium, vitamin D, antacid or other supplements you take and any medicines for bones, blood pressure or the thyroid. We will let you know of any other steps when you make your booking.

For a wider view of diet-related minerals and vitamins, Nutritional and Digestive Health may be a better starting point, and the vitamin D test is often relevant to calcium. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a red cell calcium test in Chiswick?

The Red Cell Calcium test costs £99. The price covers the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

How is red cell calcium different from a normal calcium test?

A normal calcium test measures calcium in serum, which the NHS uses to assess calcium balance. Red cell calcium measures what is inside the red cells and is a complementary, less widely used measure.

Can this test show if I have weak bones?

No. Bone strength is assessed with a bone density (DEXA) scan. Blood calcium is usually normal even when bones are thinning.

Do I need to stop calcium supplements first?

No, keep taking them as usual unless advised otherwise, and let us know the dose.