Calcium Test

Calcium is an essential mineral needed in our bodies. It is the most abundant mineral found in the body and plays an important role in keeping your heart and muscles functioning normally. Calcium also helps keep bones and teeth strong and helps move blood through blood vessels through the body.

 

If you don’t eat enough calcium-rich foods, or if your body doesn’t store or absorb enough of it, you may have low levels. Too much or too little calcium may lead to a variety of symptoms including, but limited to, headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, constipation, and vomiting.

Signs and symptoms of low calcium include:

• Dry scaly skin
• Brittle nails
• Coarse hair
• Muscle cramps and/or twitching
• Memory Loss
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Confusion

Signs and symptoms of high calcium include:

• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

If you experience these more severe symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION:

• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Cardiac arrest (in severe cases)

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

 

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 10 and 100 years old. If this test will be performed on someone less than 18 years old:

• The appropriate age bracket needs to be selected during purchase
• Both parent/guardian (hereinafter "parent") and patient information will need to be provided during test registration
• Both parent and patient must be present for sample collection, the parent will need to have their identification available at collection
• Results will be provided to the listed parent

 

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile^TM where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AK, AZ or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, testing may not be available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

 

Please note: Laboratory testing for children under 18 years of age should always be conducted with the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Our tests are designed to support continuity of care, ease of access, and empower families with accessible health information. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or ongoing care from a pediatrician. Parents should review test results with their child's healthcare provider to ensure appropriate interpretation, follow-up, and treatment in the context of the rest of your child's care. If your child is experiencing symptoms or you have concerns about their health, please contact your pediatrician or seek other medical care immediately.

Certain supplements and medications can interfere with your test results. If you are concerned about any of your supplements or medications impacting your results, talk to your healthcare provider before your sample is collected to see if you should stop taking them and for how long.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

 

If this test is performed on someone less than 18 years old, the results will be provided to the registered parent.