Corrected Calcium Calculator

Determines the adjusted calcium level based on calcium and albumin serum levels.

Read more about the corrected calcium and the normal recommended calcium intake in the text below the tool.


The corrected calcium calculator helps adjust the calcium level (for further measurements) given the serum albumin and total calcium from the medical record of the patient.

There are two measurement units available for each of the variables used:

■ Serum albumin (g/dL or g/L);

■ Total calcium (mmol/L, mg/dL).


The formula used is the following:

■ Adjusted calcium = serum calcium [mg/dL] + 0.8 * (normal albumin - serum albumin [g/dL])

*where the normal albumin level is default at 4 g/dL therefore the formula becomes:

■ Corrected calcium = serum calcium + 0.8 * (4 - serum albumin)

Normal calcium levels are between 8.5 and 10.5 mg/dL or 2.1-2.6 mmol/L.


Total calcium
Serum albumin
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Steps on how to print your input & results:

1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.

2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.

Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.


 

Calcium correction explained

The total calcium in the body is dependent on the level of serum albumin, which is the binding protein of calcium.

The adjusted or corrected calcium refers to the part of calcium which is ionized, the part that has a biological effect.

Usually, corrected calcium is calculated whenever albumin levels are not in the normal range, thus allowing an estimate as if albumin value were normal.

The two parameters used for the calculation are:

■ Serum albumin, measured in g/dL or g/L;

■ Total calcium, measured in either mg/dL or mmol/L.

The equation used is:

Adjusted calcium = serum calcium [mg/dL] + 0.8 * (normal albumin - serum albumin [g/dL])

*where the normal albumin level is default at 4 g/dL, thus the formula becomes:

Corrected calcium = serum calcium + 0.8 * (4 - serum albumin)

The value obtained can be used in determinations that follow up on suspicion of a calcium metabolism disorder.

Where hypoalbuminemia is present (low albumin levels), corrected calcium tends to be higher than total calcium.

The table below provides an indication of the recommended daily calcium intake:

Infants 260mg
Toddlers 800mg
Children 1200mg
Teenagers 1300mg
Adults 1000mg
Pregnant women 1100mg
Adults over 50 1100mg
Adults over 70 1200mg
 

Hypercalcaemia guidelines

When the right levels of calcium are not maintained, hypo or hyper-calcaemia occur. In the case of the latter, there are different stages, depending on the calcium levels:

Hypercalcaemia Total serum calcium levels in mg/dL
Mild 10.5- 11.9
Moderate 12- 13.9
Severe 14- 16

Hypercalcaemia is caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (mostly in potmenopausal women) or by endocrine, electrolyte imbalances in malignancy.

Symptoms that affect the normal functioning of the central nervous system include confusion, fatigue, weakness or lethargy.

The cardiovascular and circulatory system may be affected by arrhythmias or syncope.

Renal symptoms consist of polyuria, dehydration or kidney stones and may lead to renal failure.

Nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia or gastric ulcer are hypercalcaemia effects on the digestive system.

 

References

1. Parent X, Spielmann C, Hanser AM. Corrected calcium: calcium status underestimation in non-hypoalbuminemic patients and in hypercalcemic patients. Ann Biol Clin (Paris) 2009; 67(4):411-8.

2. Hall J. (2015) Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 13th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.


Specialty: Endocrinology

System: Endocrine

Objective: Correction

Type: Calculator

No. Of Variables: 2

Article By: Denise Nedea

Published On: May 23, 2017 · 10:12 AM

Last Checked: May 23, 2017

Next Review: May 23, 2023