Alternate Names: Urinary Ca+2

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 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

Abnormal Results: Increased levels of urine calcium may indicate:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• idiopathic hypercalcinuria
• milk-alkali syndrome
• osteolytic bone disease
• osteoporosis
• primary hyperparathyroidism
• renal tubular acidosis
• sarcoidosis
• vitamin D intoxication

• hypoparathyroidism
• malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) disorders
• renal osteodystrophy
• vitamin D deficiency

• secondary hyperparathyroidism

Cost:

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.