1. What is Corrected Calcium?

Corrected calcium is an adjusted calcium value that accounts for variations in albumin levels. Since calcium binds to albumin in the blood, low albumin levels 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 albumin)

Explanation: The equation adjusts the calcium value to what it would be if the albumin level were normal (4 g/dL).

3. Importance of Calcium Correction

Details: Corrected calcium provides a more accurate assessment of biologically active calcium, especially in patients with hypoalbuminemia. This is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of calcium disorders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter calcium in mg/dL and albumin in g/dL. Both values must be valid (calcium > 0, albumin ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should calcium be corrected for albumin?
A: Correction should be done 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.

Q3: Are there limitations to this correction?
A: This correction is less accurate in extreme hypoalbuminemia (<2 g/dL) and doesn't account for pH changes that affect calcium binding.

Q4: Should ionized calcium be measured instead?
A: Ionized calcium is more accurate but more expensive to measure. Corrected calcium provides a reasonable estimate in most cases.

Q5: Does this apply to hypercalcemia?
A: Yes, the same correction can be applied to properly assess the degree of hypercalcemia in hypoalbuminemic patients.