SummaryTwo hundred consecutive specimens received in this laboratory for "liver function tests" showed a wide range of abnormal protein concentrations. Calcium concentration correlated closely with albumin (r = 0867) but less closely with total protein (r = 0 682). A simple formula for adjusting calcium concentration was derived from the regression equation of calcium on albumin. Adjusted calcium = calcium -albumin + 4-0, where calcium is in mg/100 ml and albumin in g/100 ml.Low calcium concentrations were found in 49 (24-5%) and raised concentrations in six (3%) of the 200 blood specimens taken for liver function tests. After adjustment, the 95% limits of the observed range were identical with the 95%

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Concentrations of total calcium and albumin were measured in serum specimens from 41 women at intervals before, during, and after 42 pregnancies. The albumin concentration decreased but the calcium decreased more slowly, so that the albumin-adjusted calcium concentration increased from conception to term. These findings, taken in conjunction with published observations of hypercalciuria, increased concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and calcitonin in serum, and decreased concentrations of intact parathyrin in serum, strongly suggest that maternal ionized calcium increases throughout normal pregnancy.

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