1. What is Corrected Calcium?

Corrected calcium is an adjusted calcium level that accounts for variations in albumin levels. Since a significant portion of calcium is bound to albumin in the blood, changes in albumin levels can affect the measured total calcium without reflecting true changes in ionized calcium.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected calcium formula:

Where:

• \( Ca \) — Measured serum calcium (mmol/L)
• \( albumin \) — Serum albumin level (g/L)

Explanation: The formula adjusts the measured calcium level based on the deviation from the normal albumin level of 40 g/L, with a correction factor of 0.02 mmol/L per 1 g/L albumin.

3. Importance of Calcium Correction

Details: Corrected calcium provides a more accurate assessment of calcium status in patients with abnormal albumin levels, helping clinicians make appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions regarding calcium disorders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum calcium in mmol/L and albumin in g/L. Both values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should calcium correction be used?
A: Calcium correction should be used when albumin levels are abnormal (typically outside the 35-45 g/L range) to get a more accurate assessment of calcium status.

Q2: What are normal corrected calcium values?
A: Normal corrected calcium typically ranges from 2.10-2.60 mmol/L, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

Q3: Why use 40 g/L as the reference albumin level?
A: 40 g/L is commonly used as the standard normal albumin level for correction formulas, though some variations may use different reference values.

Q4: Are there limitations to this correction formula?
A: This formula provides an estimate and may not be accurate in all clinical situations, particularly with severe hypoalbuminemia or in critically ill patients.

Q5: When is direct ionized calcium measurement preferred?
A: Direct measurement of ionized calcium is preferred in critical care settings, during blood transfusions, in acid-base disorders, and when precise calcium status assessment is crucial.