An inexpensive method for the determination of serum ionized calcium

The method described here may be used for the determination of serum ionized calcium. The physical conditions of the measurement, including sample volume (0.6 ml) and temperature (25 or 37 °C), are fixed. Stasis of the sample may contribute to a prolonged but not prohibitive response time. Other than the prolonged response time, the performance characteristics of the electrodes were not altered by incorporating them into the electrode chamber. Exemplifying the utility of this method were the results of protein-binding studies, in vitro and ex vivo CaCl₂ and EDTA administration and a comparison with the Orion SS-20. In consideration of the data presented, the cost and simplicity of construction, and method described should serve to make the determination of serum ionized calcium accessible to a greater number of investigators and encourage research in pharmacological and physiological processes thought to be mediated by serum ionized calcium.