Question 1

What is Hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood, leading to muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. It is caused by hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, or magnesium deficiency. The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for diagnosing hypocalcemia because it directly measures total calcium levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia is caused by several underlying conditions that disrupt calcium regulation in the body. The most common causes include hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands that fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone), vitamin D deficiency (which reduces calcium absorption from the intestines), chronic kidney disease (which impairs vitamin D activation and calcium reabsorption), and magnesium deficiency (which affects parathyroid hormone secretion). Certain medications, including bisphosphonates, proton pump inhibitors, and some chemotherapy drugs, can also lead to low calcium levels.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

The Calcium, Serum test is the most important test for hypocalcemia because it directly measures total calcium levels in your blood, providing the primary diagnostic indicator of the condition. For a more accurate assessment, especially if protein levels are abnormal, the Calcium, Ionized, Serum test is essential as it measures only the active, free calcium that your body can actually use. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile is also highly valuable because it includes calcium testing along with kidney function markers (eGFR), electrolytes, and glucose levels, helping identify underlying causes like kidney disease or metabolic disorders. For suspected kidney-related hypocalcemia, the Kidney Function Profile provides comprehensive evaluation of renal health, which is crucial since impaired kidney function affects vitamin D metabolism and calcium regulation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience muscle cramps or spasms (especially in your hands, feet, or face), numbness or tingling around your mouth or in your fingers and toes, unusual fatigue or weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Testing is also important if you have conditions that increase your risk, such as thyroid or parathyroid surgery, chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or if you take medications like proton pump inhibitors long-term. Early detection through blood testing is critical because severe hypocalcemia can lead to life-threatening complications including seizures and cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of hypocalcemia range from mild to severe depending on how low your calcium levels drop and how quickly they fall. Common symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms (particularly in the hands, feet, and face), numbness and tingling sensations around the mouth and in the extremities, fatigue and weakness, confusion or memory problems, and dry skin with brittle nails. Severe hypocalcemia can cause seizures, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), difficulty breathing due to laryngeal spasm, and tetany (involuntary muscle contractions). Some people with mild hypocalcemia may not notice any symptoms until their calcium levels become dangerously low.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for hypocalcemia include those with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, individuals who have had thyroid or parathyroid surgery, people with vitamin D deficiency or malabsorption disorders (like celiac disease or Crohn's disease), and those with hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism. Additional risk factors include long-term use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors, bisphosphonates, or certain diuretics, as well as having low magnesium levels. Premature infants, people with severe acute pancreatitis, and those who have received multiple blood transfusions are also at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if hypocalcemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypocalcemia can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Chronic low calcium levels cause progressive weakening of bones (osteoporosis and osteomalacia), increasing fracture risk significantly. Severe acute hypocalcemia can trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and laryngospasm (throat muscle spasms that block breathing). Long-term untreated hypocalcemia may result in cataracts, dental problems with abnormal tooth development, calcification of the brain (particularly the basal ganglia), and cognitive impairment including memory problems and confusion. Heart failure can develop due to impaired cardiac muscle function, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Question 8

Can hypocalcemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypocalcemia is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that measure calcium levels in your bloodstream. The Calcium, Serum test measures total calcium (both bound and free forms), while the Calcium, Ionized, Serum test specifically measures the active, unbound calcium that your cells can use. These blood tests provide definitive diagnosis, and your healthcare provider may also order additional tests to identify the underlying cause, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, vitamin D levels, magnesium levels, phosphate levels, and kidney function tests. Blood testing is the gold standard because symptoms alone cannot reliably indicate calcium levels, and some people have no symptoms until their calcium becomes severely low.

Question 9

How is hypocalcemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for hypocalcemia depends on the severity and underlying cause. Acute severe hypocalcemia requires immediate intravenous calcium administration in a hospital setting to prevent life-threatening complications. For chronic or mild hypocalcemia, treatment typically involves oral calcium supplements (usually calcium carbonate or calcium citrate) taken with meals to improve absorption. Vitamin D supplementation is almost always necessary because vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and activated vitamin D (calcitriol) may be prescribed if you have kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism. Addressing underlying causes is critical, whether that means treating kidney disease, correcting magnesium deficiency, adjusting medications, or managing parathyroid disorders. Regular blood tests monitor calcium levels to ensure treatment effectiveness.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

Preventing hypocalcemia involves maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet and supplementation when necessary. Consume calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fortified foods, and fish with edible bones (like sardines). Get regular sun exposure for natural vitamin D production, or take vitamin D supplements, especially if you live in northern climates or have limited sun exposure. If you take medications that affect calcium levels (like proton pump inhibitors or bisphosphonates), work with your healthcare provider to monitor your calcium levels regularly. Manage underlying conditions like kidney disease or thyroid disorders proactively, and ensure adequate magnesium intake since magnesium deficiency can cause hypocalcemia.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hypocalcemia?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is essential for hypocalcemia, several natural approaches can support healthy calcium levels. Increase dietary calcium by eating dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens (kale, collard greens, bok choy), almonds, and canned fish with bones. Boost vitamin D through sensible sun exposure (10-30 minutes of midday sun several times per week) and foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Include magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, since magnesium is necessary for proper calcium metabolism. Reduce caffeine and excessive salt intake, which can increase calcium excretion through urine. Weight-bearing exercise helps maintain bone health and calcium regulation, but always consult your healthcare provider before relying on natural approaches alone, as hypocalcemia requires proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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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.
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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.
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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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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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Hypocalcemia Blood Test

What is Hypocalcemia?

What causes hypocalcemia?

What is the best test for hypocalcemia?

When should I get tested for hypocalcemia?

References

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