Understanding Corrected Calcium
About 40% of total serum calcium is bound to albumin. When albumin levels are low (hypoalbuminemia), total calcium may appear falsely low even when the physiologically active ionized calcium is normal. The corrected calcium formula adjusts for this protein binding effect.
Correction Formula
For every 1 g/dL decrease in albumin below 4.0 g/dL, add 0.8 mg/dL to the measured calcium.
Normal Calcium Ranges
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|
| Low (Hypocalcemia) | < 8.5 | < 2.12 |
| Normal | 8.5 - 10.5 | 2.12 - 2.62 |
| High (Hypercalcemia) | > 10.5 | > 2.62 |
When to Use Corrected Calcium
- Patients with hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 4 g/dL)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Critical illness
- Malignancy
Causes of Hypocalcemia
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Hypomagnesemia
- Medications (bisphosphonates, loop diuretics)
- Post-thyroidectomy
Causes of Hypercalcemia
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (most common outpatient)
- Malignancy (most common inpatient)
- Vitamin D toxicity
- Thiazide diuretics
- Granulomatous diseases
- Hyperthyroidism
- Immobilization
Symptoms of Calcium Imbalance
Hypocalcemia
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Numbness and tingling (perioral, fingers, toes)
- Chvostek's sign, Trousseau's sign
- Seizures
- QT prolongation on ECG
Hypercalcemia
- "Stones" - kidney stones
- "Bones" - bone pain
- "Groans" - abdominal pain, constipation
- "Moans" - fatigue, depression, confusion
- Polyuria, polydipsia
- Short QT on ECG
Limitations
- Correction formula is an estimate; ionized calcium is more accurate
- May be inaccurate in severe acid-base disturbances
- Different laboratories may use different correction factors
- Less reliable in hyperalbuminemia
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for clinical judgment or professional medical advice. For accurate assessment of calcium status, especially in critically ill patients, ionized calcium measurement is preferred. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.
