1. What is Corrected Calcium?

Corrected calcium adjusts the measured total calcium level for hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels). Since calcium is bound to albumin in the blood, low albumin can make total calcium appear lower than the physiologically active calcium level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected calcium formula:

Where:

• Calcium — Measured total calcium (mg/dL)
• Albumin — Serum albumin level (g/dL)
• 4 — Normal albumin level (g/dL)
• 0.8 — Adjustment factor (mg/dL per g/dL of albumin)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the fact that approximately 0.8 mg/dL of calcium is bound to each 1 g/dL of albumin.

3. Importance of Calcium Correction

Details: Correcting calcium for albumin levels provides a more accurate assessment of physiologically active calcium, which is important for diagnosing and managing calcium disorders like hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter calcium in mg/dL and albumin in g/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. The correction is most important when albumin levels are abnormal.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should calcium be corrected for albumin?
A: Calcium should be corrected whenever albumin levels are abnormal (typically <3.5 g/dL or >4.5 g/dL).

Q2: What are normal calcium values?
A: Normal total calcium is typically 8.5-10.2 mg/dL. Corrected calcium should fall within this range in healthy individuals.

Q3: Does this correction work for hyperalbuminemia?
A: Yes, the same formula can be used when albumin is elevated, though this is less common than hypoalbuminemia.

Q4: Are there other methods to assess calcium status?
A: Ionized calcium measurement is the most accurate but requires special handling and is more expensive.

Q5: Why is 4 g/dL used as the normal albumin?
A: This represents the mid-range of normal albumin levels (typically 3.5-5 g/dL).