Commentary & Perspectives

Adjusted Calcium Is Lying — And Labs Keep Printing It

Choy et al. argue it's time to stop trusting a number that's been unreliable for fifty years.

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  • 1

    The authors critique the use of albumin-adjusted calcium.

  • 2

    Validity questioned for older and critically ill patients.

  • 3

    Ionised calcium is suggested as a better standard.

  • 4

    Historical critiques date back to

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    Lab integration challenges hinder the change.

  • 6

    Auto-reporting reflects inertia rather than scientific accuracy.

  • 7

    Adjusted calcium may mislead clinical decisions.

  • 8

    Clinicians need to evaluate when to trust adjusted values.

Original Source(s)

Adjusted Calcium Is Lying — And Labs Keep Printing It

  • by Kerri Miller

  • March 18, 2026

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