Diagnostic procedures in disorders of calcium metabolism.

The investigation of a patient with a suspected disorder of calcium metabolism is most rapidly and efficiently performed by observing a standard procedure, the initial stages of which are simple and mandatory, the later stages more complex and determined by the initial results and the depth of investigation required. Needless to say, the investigations are preceded by history taking and routine physical examination. The following account is a summary of available procedures, most of which have been described elsewhere in greater detail (Nordin et al., 1976a).