Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How do you determine if a white mice is hypocalcemic(calcium deficient)?

Oz-ciel98,

As you may know, hypocalcaemia is a condition in which an animal has low levels of calcium in the plasma of the blood.

There are many possible symptoms that you could observe in the mice to determine if they have hypocalcaemia. If you were to use an EEG you may observe a wide range of seizures. In addition, an ECG test may recognize a prolongation of the QT interval as well as hypotension.

Although, this condition must be confirmed through a blood test. In a laboratory you would take a blood sample and measure the serum ionized calcium level and confirm the diagnosis if it is below 8.2 mg/dL (2.05 mmol/L). Another option is to measure an ionized calcium level lower than 4.4 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L). In addition, the interpretation of the iPTH level can lead to understanding specifically what is causing the hypocalcaemia.

Please tell us about your project and what you would like to accomplish. We may be able to provide more information such as finding a mentor and setting up your research plan.

You may want to contact a medical doctor that specializes in clinical laboratory medicine and pathology.

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I agree that enlisting the help of a doctor will help you significantly. They will be able to check your work and make sure you're on track. They may also have valuable scientific insight for you that can propel your project forward. If you don't know any doctors personally and aren't sure where to look, try locateadoc.com. That will help you develop a list of doctors to contact.