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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Calcium, Ionized
Ionized calcium is the free calcium available to nerves, muscles and other tissues. It can answer a question that total calcium leaves open.
Price for this test on its ownAED 140Test price AED 40
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Ionized Calcium test measure?
Also called Free (Ionized) Calcium
The ionized fraction may be requested when total calcium is hard to interpret, or when a clinician needs to assess the biologically available amount more directly.
When it may be requested
A change in albumin
Free calcium can clarify an unexpected total when albumin is unusually low or high.
Parathyroid follow-up
A clinician may compare ionized calcium with the hormone that regulates circulating calcium.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
For the draw, sit quietly and breathe normally. Unusually rapid breathing can change the balance of free calcium. Follow fasting instructions for the rest of your order.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCalcium, Ionized
Reading your result
Acid–base balance can change the proportion of calcium that is free. The result is interpreted with the reason for testing and the laboratory's interval for ionized calcium.
What can affect it
- Blood acidity and specimen handling can affect the free calcium measurement.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCalcium, Ionized
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Calcium, Ionized in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Bring any paired total calcium, albumin and parathyroid measurements so the clinician can assess the same clinical episode.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why might ionized calcium be ordered after total calcium?
Total calcium includes a protein-bound fraction. When albumin or blood acidity has changed, direct measurement of the free fraction can help resolve a discrepancy.
Why can breathing affect my result?
Breathing fast lowers carbon dioxide and makes blood more alkaline, which causes calcium to bind more tightly to proteins. The free fraction then reads lower, even though nothing about your calcium stores has changed.
Why do I also need magnesium checked?
Magnesium is needed for parathyroid hormone to be released and to act on tissues. A low free calcium that will not correct is often driven by a magnesium deficiency underneath it.
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Your next step
Ionized Calcium test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.