Question:
Can blood work determine your calcium levels?

I am almost 4 months post-op and I have been taking vitamins and minerals since the beginning, but I havn't had any blood work to test my levels yet. I'm curious if your calcium levels can be checked thru blood work or do you have to get a bone scan?    — kelly M. (posted on January 27, 2003)

January 27, 2003
Kelly, It is my understanding that calcium levels can be checked through bloodwork...and while blood work can tell you if the level of calcium in your blood is okay, it cannot give you an accurate indication of the level of calcium in your bones (or bone density). Keep taking the calcium (citrate) and if you have concerns you should talk to your doctor.
   — eaamc

January 27, 2003
Your body will try to keep the level of calcium in your blood constant. If you don't take in enough, it will take it from your bones. By the time the blood level shows a deficiency, your bones would be in bad shape! You should get a bone density scan to serve as a baseline and then check periodically thereafter. My dr referred me for a hip/spinal scan. There are also peripheral scans (wrist/ankle) but because you have a big risk factor (WLS) I would try to get the central scan done. I hear it is painless and non-invasive. You do have to wear a hospital johnny for the central scans. I plan to have mine done very soon.
   — ctyst

January 27, 2003
Your calcium level should remain *relatively* constant. If you are low on calcium your body will take it from your bones. You can tell how your calcium level is by testing levels of your parathyroid hormone (PTH). If your PTH is high that means you aren't getting enough calcium and your body had to rob it. Take care!
   — AlisonR

January 27, 2003
For more information on using the PTH to monitor calcium levels, WebMD has a nice page on it: http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/131/32528.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348} If that link didn't work just go to WebMD & enter PTH in the search window & the first result should be the parathyroid test overview.
   — AlisonR