Calciphylaxis

A healthcare provider may suspect calciphylaxis based on your condition, symptoms and a physical exam of your body. This exam includes looking and feeling for any changes to your skin or the area just underneath it. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history as they try to make a calciphylaxis diagnosis. Once a provider suspects calciphylaxis, they’ll order medical tests to learn more.

What tests will be done to diagnose calciphylaxis?

A healthcare provider may order the following tests:

Skin biopsy

Taking a sample of skin and tissue just underneath (usually about 4 or 5 millimeters deep) is the most reliable way to identify calciphylaxis. A provider usually takes a sample at the edge of a lesion or wound. Analyzing the sample involves looking at it under a microscope and using certain substances to cause color or chemical changes that can help confirm the diagnosis.

You might not need a biopsy if you already have a diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease and more advanced wounds with black scabbing.

Lab testing

Blood and urine (pee) tests can help with making a diagnosis, assessing the severity of the case and deciding how best to treat it. The tests providers use most often include:

• Kidney function tests. These tests analyze urine to check how well your kidneys are working.
• Mineral bone parameters: An analysis of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D can help determine the severity of a case.
• Liver function tests: When you can’t take medications that your kidneys filter out, medications your liver filters are often the next option. Checking your liver function helps healthcare providers make sure it’s safe to give you liver-dependent medications.
• Immune system markers: This test looks for signs that your body is fighting an infection. It can also help check for autoimmune diseases.
• Blood coagulation markers: Analyzing how well your blood clots (or doesn’t clot) is helpful because it can reveal the potential for internal bleeding or other problems.

Imaging

A provider may order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or bone density scans, but it’s not as common. You’re more likely to have imaging when other tests don’t provide answers that help with a diagnosis.