Misclassification of calcium status in end-stage kidney disease using albumin-adjusted calcium levels.

Total calcium provides better approximation of calcium status than albumin-adjusted calcium in stage 5/5D CKD. Albumin-adjusted calcium tends to 'overcorrect' serum calcium upward. Clinicians should use ionized calcium where accurate measure of calcium is indicated, with total calcium used as the next best option where resources are limited.