Use

This test is useful for assessing calcium states during procedures like liver transplantation surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, or rapid transfusion of whole blood in neonates and critically ill patients. It serves as a second-order test in the evaluation of patients with abnormal calcium values. Ionized calcium, which comprises 50% to 55% of total calcium, is the physiologically active form. Low ionized calcium values can occur in kidney disease, critically ill patients, or those receiving rapid transfusion of citrated blood products, while increased levels may indicate primary hyperparathyroidism, ectopic parathyroid hormone-producing tumors, excess vitamin D intake, or various malignancies.