Laboratory value

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I always know that the Value for Ca is 4.5-5.5, but this is the first time that I see the value for the calcium is 8.6-10-0 (Saunders). I would like to know if this is a new value. Even I'm a foreign nurse, my books are almost american books. I just need to make sure because the difference is big.

Thank you

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My Fundementals of nursing text book has the range from 8.4-10.6mg/dL. I've seen ranges vary from that but only a couple of tenths.

I don't ever recall seeing a range like you stated you have learned Ca to be.

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The difference is in the kind of calcium that is being measured.

Ionized calcium is 4.5-5.5mg/dl. This correlates with the level of serum albumin, a protein which calcium binds to. This is a better measurement of active calcium.

Total calcium is 9-10.5mg/dl. This does not correlate with the serum albumin level.

I knew both for exam purposes. I hope that clarifies the difference.

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Thank you so much guys, and thank you for the one who made this site. You're are so good. I will remember the difference.

Thank you again

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