Diagnostic reagent for quantitative in vitro determination of calcium in human serum, plasma or urine, range 0.05 – 5.0 mmol/L

Diagnostic reagent for quantitative in vitro determination of calcium in human serum, plasma or urine on photometric systems, measuring range 0.05 – 5.0 mmol/L

Calcium plays an essential role in many cell functions: intracellularly in muscle contraction and glycogen metabolism, extracellularly, in bone mineralization, in blood coagulation and in transmission of nerve impulses. Calcium is present in plasma in three forms free, bound to proteins or complexed with anions as phosphate, citrate and bicarbonate. Decreased total calcium levels can be associated with diseases of the bone apparatus (especially osteoporosis), kidney diseases (especially under dialysis), defective intestinal absorption and hypoparathyroidism. Increased total calcium can be measured in hyperparathyroidism, malignant diseases with metastases and sarcoidosis. Calcium measurements also help in monitoring of calcium supplementation mainly in the prevention of osteoporosis
This is a Colorimetric, endpoint, test. Cresolphtalein complexone (CPC) reacts with calcium ions in alkaline solution forming a red-violet colour. The intensity of the violet colour is proportional to the calcium concentration in the sample. Interference by magnesium is eliminated by addition of 8-hydroxy-quinoline.

Each kit contains 4 x 50ml R1 (Ethanolamine) and 1 x 50ml R2 (2-Cresolphtalein complexone, 8-Hydroxychinoline and Hydrochloric acid). Reagents are provided ready-to-use and once mixed are stable for 3 days.

The recommended calibrator is the Dialab Calcium Standard (D95094).

Suggested QC are the Diacon Control Serum (D98481SV & D98482SV).