About Corrected Calcium

The Corrected Calcium Calculator is an essential tool for medical professionals to determine the true calcium status of a patient. Total calcium levels can be misleading in patients with abnormal albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia or hyperalbuminemia) because a significant portion of serum calcium is bound to albumin.

The Calcium Correction Formula (Payne's Formula)

This calculator uses the widely accepted Payne's Formula to adjust total calcium based on albumin concentration:

Corrected Ca (mg/dL) = Measured Total Ca (mg/dL) + 0.8 * [4.0 - Serum Albumin (g/dL)]

If your values are in mmol/L or g/L, our tool automatically converts them to ensure accuracy.

Why Calculate Corrected Calcium?

Hypoalbuminemia: In patients with low albumin (e.g., malnutrition, liver disease), total calcium may appear low even if ionized (active) calcium is normal. This is "pseudohypocalcemia."
Clinical Decision Making: Accurate calcium levels are vital for diagnosing hyperparathyroidism, Vitamin D disorders, and renal failure.

Normal Ranges

Typically, the normal range for corrected calcium is 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.12 - 2.62 mmol/L). Levels below this range indicate Hypocalcemia, while levels above indicate Hypercalcemia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I correct calcium for albumin?

Correction is typically required when serum albumin is less than 4.0 g/dL. If albumin is normal, the total calcium is usually sufficient.

Does this calculator work for dialysis patients?

While Payne's formula is commonly used, ionized calcium measurement is the gold standard for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

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