Corrected Calcium

Adjust serum calcium levels based on albumin concentration.

Blood Chemistry

Total Serum Calcium

mg/dL

Serum Albumin

g/dL

Adjusted Ion Level

Corrected Calcium8.5mg/dL

StatusNormalInferred

Reference Range: 8.5 - 10.5 mg/dL

Overview

Calcium in the blood is roughly 50% bound to proteins, primarily albumin. When albumin levels are low (hypoalbuminemia), the total serum calcium will also appear low, even if the active (ionized) calcium is normal. This formula 'corrects' the total calcium to what it would be if albumin were normal (4.0 g/dL).

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Pro Tips

Check albumin level on the same blood sample as the total calcium.
A normal corrected calcium range is typically 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.
If a patient is severely ill, consider ordering a direct Ionized Calcium test for accuracy.

Fun Facts

"Approximately 40-50% of serum calcium is bound to albumin."
"Hypercalcemia can lead to 'stones, bones, abdominal moans, and psychic groans'."
"The corrected formula is less accurate in patients with kidney failure or significant acid-base disturbances."
"Ionized calcium is the physiologically active form and is the gold standard for measurement."

Formula: Corrected Calcium = Measured Total Calcium + 0.8 × (4.0 - Serum Albumin)

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