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Calcium; urine How to Prepare:
No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.
How it Feels:
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Risks:
There are no risks.
Why this Test is Performed:
Calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor diseases of the bone or calcium regulation disorders (that is, diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys).
Normal Values:
- normal diet: 100 to 300 mg/day (2.5-7.5 mmol/day)
- low-calcium diet: 50 to 150 mg/day
Note: mg/day = milligrams per day; mmol/day = millimoles per day
Abnormal Results:
Increased levels of urine calcium may indicate: Decreased levels of urine calcium may indicate: Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Cost:
The estimated cost is $23.
Special Considerations:
Interfering factors:
Drugs that may increase urine calcium measurements include antacids, anticonvulsants, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretics. Drugs that may decrease urine calcium measurements include adrenocorticosteroids and oral contraceptives.
This is an illustration of the female urinary tract. The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning in the body and relative size of the organs are also demonstrated.
This is an illustration of the male urinary tract. The female and male urinary tract are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning and relative size of the organs are also shown.
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