Calcium Urine Test
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
| See Also | Lab Tests |
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A large amount of calcium that is excreted from the body occurs through the stool, while smaller quantities are excreted in the urine. The increased excretion of calcium in the urine is seen in patients with hypercalcemia. The most common cause for hypercalcemia is primary hyperparathyroidism. Urinary calcium levels are seen to decrease in patients with hypocalcemia. A common cause of hypocalcemia is hypoparathyroidism.[1],[2]
Contents
Discussion
- This test measures the calcium concentration in the urine and is used to identify and support a diagnosis of hypercalcemia.
Patient Preparation
- No specific preparation is required.
Interfering Factors
- Factors which can cause increased levels:
- high-calcium diet, prolonged immobilization
- Drugs: antacids, anticonvulsant agents, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, diuretics, calcitonin, calcium salts, steroids, mithramycin, and phosphates
- Factors which can cause decreased levels:
- alkaline urine, low-calcium diet
- Drugs: estrogen, lithium, bicarbonate, and oral contraceptives
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Nonparathyroid PTH-producing tumor (e.g., lung or renal carcinoma)
- Milk-alkali syndrome
- Cushing's syndrome
- Granulomatous infections
- Osteoporosis
- Metastatic tumor to the bone
- Paget's disease of the bone
- Prolonged immobilization
- Renal tubular acidosis
- Acidic environment
Low levels indicate:
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Malabsorption disorder
- Renal failure
Associated Tests
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D., Pagana Timothy J., Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby, Inc
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott. Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain
