Effect of Tourniquet Application on Plasma Calcium Concentration

Abstract

This study is attempted to measure plasma calcium concentration in normal subjects, to measure the calcium level with and without stasis [2-3 min] and to estimate the effect of tourniquet on calcium measurements. A study group of 47 Sudanese subjects (age d19-27 years) were enrolled in the study at Sudan University of Science & Technology during the period of November 2008 to January 2009. Two blood samples were collected from each subject. The first sample was taken without stasis, and the second sample was taken (2-3 min) after stasis. Plasma calcium concentration was determined by using chemical method (Methylthymol blue method). The results showed a significant elevation of calcium concentration following stasis (p<0.00). Calcium mean concentration without stasis was [ 2.2585mmol/L + SD 0.08030]. The mean level of calcium with stasis was [ 2.3862mmol/L + SD 0.06971]. This study showed that there is a great effect of using tourniquet in calcium measurements due to stasis.