Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing muscle weakness, cramps, numbness or tingling in your fingers, or unexplained bone pain. It helps identify calcium imbalances that may be affecting your bone strength, muscle function, nerve health, and overall mineral balance. Many people use this test when they suspect their symptoms are related to calcium levels or have risk factors like kidney disease, parathyroid issues, or vitamin D deficiency.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your calcium levels mean for your bone health, muscle function, and overall mineral balance. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes to optimize calcium intake, vitamin D supplementation suggestions, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your calcium levels over time using our trends feature to monitor changes as you make dietary adjustments or if you're managing a chronic condition.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures Calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body that's essential for strong bones and teeth, proper muscle contraction, and nerve signal transmission. Calcium levels are tightly controlled by parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and other factors, so abnormal results can reveal important issues with your bones, kidneys, or hormone balance. This single measurement provides critical insights into your bone health, risk for osteoporosis, kidney function, and overall mineral metabolism.

Question 4

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is important for people experiencing unexplained muscle weakness, cramping, or tingling sensations in their hands and feet. It's also valuable for anyone with a history of kidney disease, parathyroid disorders, osteoporosis, or those taking medications that affect calcium metabolism. Older adults, postmenopausal women, people with vitamin D deficiency, and those with chronic digestive issues that affect nutrient absorption should also consider testing.

Question 5

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of calcium imbalance include muscle cramps or spasms, numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes, fatigue, brittle nails, and bone pain. Low calcium can also cause confusion, memory problems, and in severe cases, irregular heartbeat. High calcium may cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, constipation, and unexplained fatigue. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, checking your calcium levels can provide valuable insights.

Question 6

How can I naturally support healthy calcium levels?

Accepted Answer

Supporting healthy calcium levels starts with eating calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods. Ensuring adequate vitamin D through sunlight exposure or supplementation helps your body absorb calcium effectively. Regular weight-bearing exercise like walking, jogging, or strength training helps maintain bone density. Limiting excessive caffeine, sodium, and alcohol consumption can prevent calcium loss from your bones.

Question 7

What does high calcium mean?

Accepted Answer

High calcium levels, called hypercalcemia, can indicate overactive parathyroid glands, certain cancers, excessive vitamin D intake, or prolonged immobilization. It may cause symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, kidney stones, fatigue, nausea, and confusion. High calcium can also affect your heart rhythm and may require medical evaluation to identify and address the underlying cause.

Question 8

What does low calcium mean?

Accepted Answer

Low calcium levels, called hypocalcemia, may indicate underactive parathyroid glands, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, or malabsorption issues. It can cause muscle cramps, spasms, numbness, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, seizures or irregular heartbeat. Low calcium over time increases your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, making it important to address the underlying cause.

Question 9

What causes abnormal calcium levels?

Accepted Answer

High calcium can be caused by overactive parathyroid glands, certain cancers, too much vitamin D or calcium supplementation, kidney problems, or certain medications like lithium. Low calcium is often caused by vitamin D deficiency, underactive parathyroid glands, kidney disease, magnesium deficiency, or digestive disorders that prevent calcium absorption like celiac disease or Crohn's disease. Sometimes calcium levels appear abnormal due to low blood protein levels, which requires further testing.

Question 10

How often should I retest my calcium levels?

Accepted Answer

If you have a known parathyroid or kidney condition, your doctor will typically recommend testing every 3-6 months to monitor your condition and treatment effectiveness. If your initial test is normal but you have risk factors or symptoms, retesting annually may be appropriate. People taking medications that affect calcium or vitamin D metabolism may need more frequent testing every 6-12 months to ensure levels remain balanced.

Question 11

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 12

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 13

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 14

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 15

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 16

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 17

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Blood Test for Bone Health and Muscle Weakness

Calcium, Serum

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Bone Health and Muscle Weakness

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

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