Ionized Calcium Conversion Formula:
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Ionized calcium is the physiologically active form of calcium in the blood that is not bound to proteins. It plays a vital role in many physiological processes including muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting.
The conversion between mmol/L and mg/dL for ionized calcium uses a simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion factor accounts for the molecular weight of calcium (40.08 g/mol) and the unit conversion between mmol/L and mg/dL.
Details: Measuring ionized calcium is clinically important as it represents the biologically active form of calcium. It's particularly crucial in critical care settings, during major surgeries, and for patients with conditions affecting calcium metabolism.
Tips: Enter the ionized calcium value in mmol/L. The calculator will automatically convert it to mg/dL using the standard conversion factor of 4.
Q1: Why is ionized calcium measurement important?
A: Ionized calcium represents the biologically active form of calcium and is a better indicator of calcium status than total calcium, especially in critically ill patients.
Q2: What are normal ionized calcium values?
A: Normal ionized calcium levels are typically 1.12-1.32 mmol/L (4.5-5.3 mg/dL), though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.
Q3: When should ionized calcium be measured?
A: It should be measured in critically ill patients, during major surgeries, in patients with renal failure, and when abnormalities in calcium metabolism are suspected.
Q4: How does pH affect ionized calcium levels?
A: Acidosis increases ionized calcium by reducing protein binding, while alkalosis decreases ionized calcium by increasing protein binding.
Q5: Are there limitations to this conversion?
A: While the conversion factor is standard, actual measurements may vary slightly between analyzers. For clinical decisions, always use the units reported by your laboratory.