1. What is Corrected Calcium?

Corrected calcium is an adjusted calcium level that accounts for variations in albumin levels, providing a more accurate assessment of calcium status in the body.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected calcium formula:

Where:

• \( Measured\ Calcium \) — Serum calcium measurement (mg/dL)
• \( Adjustment \) — Adjustment factor based on albumin levels (mg/dL)

Explanation: The equation adjusts the measured calcium level to account for protein binding, particularly albumin levels, providing a more accurate reflection of ionized calcium.

3. Importance of Calcium Correction

Details: Accurate calcium assessment is crucial for diagnosing calcium metabolism disorders, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and preventing complications related to calcium imbalances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured calcium in mg/dL and adjustment value in mg/dL. All values must be valid (measured calcium > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is calcium correction necessary?
A: Calcium correction is necessary because approximately 50% of serum calcium is bound to proteins, mainly albumin, and only the unbound (ionized) fraction is physiologically active.

Q2: How is the adjustment factor determined?
A: The adjustment factor is typically calculated as 0.8 × (4.0 - measured albumin) for the most common correction formula.

Q3: What are normal corrected calcium values?
A: Normal corrected calcium levels typically range from 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

Q4: When should calcium correction be used?
A: Calcium correction should be used when albumin levels are abnormal (typically <4.0 g/dL) to obtain a more accurate assessment of calcium status.

Q5: Are there limitations to calcium correction?
A: While useful, corrected calcium may not perfectly reflect ionized calcium levels in all clinical situations, particularly in critical illness or acid-base disorders.