Question 1

What is hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. It is caused by overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism), certain cancers, excessive vitamin D intake, or specific medications. The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures total calcium levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypercalcemia is caused by overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism), which release too much parathyroid hormone (PTH) that pulls calcium from bones into the bloodstream. Other causes include certain cancers like lung or breast cancer that release bone-breaking substances, taking too much calcium or vitamin D supplements, prolonged immobilization, thyroid disorders, and medications like lithium or thiazide diuretics. In some cases, rare genetic conditions or chronic kidney disease can also lead to elevated calcium levels.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for hypercalcemia because it directly measures total calcium levels in your blood and confirms whether you have elevated levels. This simple blood test serves as the primary screening tool that doctors use first. For a more detailed evaluation, the Calcium, Ionized, Serum test is essential because it measures the active form of calcium that actually affects your body, giving a more precise picture of your calcium status. Additional tests like the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile help assess how high calcium is affecting your kidneys and overall metabolism, while the Vitamin D, 1,25-Dihydroxy test identifies whether excessive vitamin D is contributing to the problem.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, excessive thirst and urination, confusion or difficulty concentrating, nausea and vomiting, constipation, bone pain or frequent fractures, or irregular heartbeat. Testing is also important if you have a history of overactive parathyroid glands, cancer, kidney stones, or if you take high doses of calcium or vitamin D supplements. If you have unexplained muscle weakness or notice changes in your mental clarity, these could be signs of elevated calcium that need evaluation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of hypercalcemia range from mild to severe depending on how high your calcium levels are. Early symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weakness. As calcium levels rise, you might experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, confusion, memory problems, and depression. More severe cases can cause bone pain, kidney stones, irregular heartbeat, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrhythmias or coma. Many people with mild hypercalcemia have no symptoms at all and only discover it through routine blood work.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

People over 50, especially postmenopausal women, are at higher risk because parathyroid problems become more common with age. Those with a family history of hyperparathyroidism or multiple endocrine neoplasia have increased genetic risk. Cancer patients, particularly those with lung, breast, or blood cancers, face elevated risk because tumors can release calcium-raising substances. People taking lithium for bipolar disorder, thiazide diuretics for blood pressure, or high doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements are also at risk. Additionally, those who are bedridden or immobilized for long periods can develop hypercalcemia as bones release calcium into the bloodstream.

Question 7

What happens if hypercalcemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypercalcemia can lead to serious complications affecting multiple organs. Your kidneys can develop stones and eventually fail due to calcium deposits and excessive workload from filtering high calcium levels. Bones become weak and prone to fractures as calcium is pulled from bone tissue into the blood. Your heart can develop dangerous irregular rhythms that may be life-threatening. The digestive system can suffer from severe constipation and stomach ulcers. Mental health effects include depression, confusion, and in severe cases, coma. Chronic high calcium also causes excessive urination leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Question 8

Can hypercalcemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypercalcemia is diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures calcium levels in your blood. The standard Calcium, Serum test checks total calcium, while the Calcium, Ionized test measures the active form for more precision. Blood tests also measure parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D levels, and kidney function to determine the underlying cause. A comprehensive metabolic panel provides a complete picture of how high calcium is affecting your body chemistry. These tests are quick, requiring only a blood draw, and results are typically available within a few days.

Question 9

How is hypercalcemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of hypercalcemia. Mild cases may only require stopping calcium and vitamin D supplements and staying well-hydrated. Moderate to severe cases often need intravenous fluids and medications like bisphosphonates that prevent bone breakdown or calcitonin that lowers calcium quickly. If overactive parathyroid glands are the cause, surgical removal of the affected gland is often the permanent solution. Cancer-related hypercalcemia requires treating the underlying cancer along with calcium-lowering medications. Your doctor may also prescribe steroids if excess vitamin D is the problem or dialysis in severe cases with kidney involvement.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk by avoiding excessive calcium and vitamin D supplements unless prescribed by your doctor, and always following recommended dosages. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are at risk. Maintain an active lifestyle with regular weight-bearing exercise to keep bones healthy and calcium properly regulated. If you take medications like lithium or thiazide diuretics, have regular blood work to monitor calcium levels. Get routine check-ups if you have a family history of parathyroid problems, and seek medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms like excessive thirst, confusion, or bone pain.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hypercalcemia?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys flush out excess calcium and prevent dehydration. Stop taking any calcium or vitamin D supplements unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Stay physically active with regular walking or gentle exercise to help maintain proper calcium balance in your bones. Limit foods extremely high in calcium like fortified products if advised by your healthcare provider, but maintain a balanced diet. Monitor your symptoms carefully and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe confusion, extreme weakness, irregular heartbeat, or severe nausea and vomiting, as these require urgent treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Hypercalcemia Blood Test

What is Hypercalcemia?

What causes hypercalcemia?

What is the best test for hypercalcemia?

When should I get tested for hypercalcemia?

References

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