Laboratory

Corrected Calcium

Adjusts total serum calcium for hypoalbuminemia.

Parameters

mg/dL
g/dL

Corrected Calcium Result

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FormulaCorrected Calcium (mg/dL) = Measured Calcium + [0.8 × (4.0 - Albumin)]

Clinical Pearls

True hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia can only be accurately diagnosed if ionized calcium is measured or if total calcium is corrected for albumin levels.

Normal Values / Reference

Normal total calcium is typically 8.5 - 10.2 mg/dL. Normal albumin is roughly 4.0 g/dL.

Limitations

Corrected calcium is only an estimate. For definitive assessment, especially in critically ill patients, direct measurement of ionized calcium is preferred.