Disorders of calcium metabolism
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The serum level of calcium is closely regulated within a fairly limited range in the human body, with a normal total calcium of 2.2-2.6 mmol/L (9-10.5 mg/dl), and a normal ionized calcium of 1.1-1.4 mmol/L (4.5-5.6 mg/dL). The amount of biologically active calcium varies with the level of albumin, a protein to which calcium is bound, and therefore levels of ionized calcium are better measures than a total calcium; however, one can correct a total calcium if the albumin level is known.
A total calcium of less than 8.5 mg/dL is hypocalcemia, while a total calcium of more than 11.0 mg/dL is hypercalcemia.
see also: calcium metabolism