Understanding Lab Tests for Hypercalcemia
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. This condition can result from various causes including overactive parathyroid glands, certain cancers, excessive vitamin D intake, or specific medications. Blood tests are essential for diagnosing hypercalcemia and determining its underlying cause.
Top Recommended Test
Calcium, Serum
This test directly measures total calcium levels in the blood and serves as the primary diagnostic tool for hypercalcemia. Elevated results confirm the presence of abnormally high calcium levels that could be due to hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excessive vitamin D intake, or certain medications.
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Diagnosing Hypercalcemia Through Blood Testing
Since hypercalcemia symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, kidney stones, and cardiac arrhythmias can overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis relies on specific blood tests that measure calcium levels and related markers. These tests help healthcare providers confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying cause to guide appropriate treatment.
Other Relevant Tests
Calcium, Ionized, Serum
This test measures the active, unbound form of calcium in the blood, providing a more precise assessment of calcium status. It is particularly valuable for diagnosing hypercalcemia as it measures the physiologically active calcium that could be elevated due to overactive parathyroid glands, cancer, excessive calcium or vitamin D intake, certain medications, or kidney disease.
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Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (includes eGFR)
This comprehensive panel includes calcium measurement along with other important metabolic markers, providing a complete picture of the body's chemical balance. It helps diagnose hypercalcemia while also assessing kidney function and other metabolic parameters that may be affected by or contribute to elevated calcium levels.
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Kidney Function Profile
This test assesses kidney function, which is crucial when evaluating hypercalcemia as the kidneys play a vital role in calcium regulation. High calcium levels can affect kidney function, and kidney disease can contribute to calcium imbalances, making this test essential for comprehensive evaluation.
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Vitamin D, 1,25-Dihydroxy, LC/MS/MS
This test measures the active form of vitamin D, which directly regulates calcium absorption and can contribute to hypercalcemia when elevated. High levels of this active vitamin D form can indicate a cause of hypercalcemia, particularly when related to overactive parathyroid glands or excessive vitamin D intake.
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Mineral Profile, RBCs
This comprehensive mineral analysis includes calcium along with other essential minerals, providing insight into overall mineral balance. It helps evaluate hypercalcemia in the context of other mineral levels and can identify patterns associated with hyperparathyroidism, certain cancers, or excessive calcium or vitamin D intake.
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Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel
This comprehensive panel includes calcium testing among other markers and may be relevant for individuals with post-COVID concerns. Elevated calcium levels detected in this panel can indicate hypercalcemia that may be caused by overactive parathyroid glands, certain cancers, or medications.
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Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
