Calcium, Ionized

Ionized calcium is the calcium in blood that is not attached to proteins. All cells need calcium to work.It is also called as free calcium. The ionized calcium is determined by an ion selective electrode methodology.

Ionized calcium is tested as part of a routine metabolic panel, if you have symptoms of a disorder, symptoms affecting your kidneys, bones, thyroid, parathyroid, nerves or when symptoms of significantly increased or decreased calcium concentrations are present;

Calcium, Ionized - Ionized calcium represents the true "bioavailable" calcium in the circulation. In situations where the total calcium is normal but does not fit the clinical picture, e.g. , hyperparathyroidism, a determination of the ionized calcium will, many times, show an elevation in the "bioavailable" calcium component. This may be due to alterations in protein concentrations, especially albumin, that binds most of the calcium in the circulation.