Calcitonin blood test

• NOTE:: Please include all relevant clinical history in sample order
• Take to the lab immediately! The serum to be separated and frozen within 30 minutes of collection
• CAUTION: Do not use glass specimen tubes for sample collection

Normal Reference Range

0 – 11.5 ng/L

Test Information

The primary tumour marker of Medullary Carcinoma of the Thyroid (MTC), calcitonin, controls calcium metabolism. When diagnosing MTC for the first time, it is assessed along with a pentagastrin stimulation test. It is also done at random when monitoring existing cancer.

Clinical Indications

Suspected and Monitoring of known MTC

Sample Required

5mL serum sample blood tube is required for calcitonin blood test

Min. sample volume

1.0mL

Special Instructions and Precautions

Note: Please include all relevant clinical history in sample order
• Take to the lab immediately! The serum to be separated and frozen within 30 minutes of collection
• CAUTION: Do not use glass specimen tubes for sample collection

Time Limits For Retrospective Testing

Not applicable (sample labile)

Patient’s Preparation

Calcium/ Pentagastrin stimulation test:
Patient should be fasted for this blood test (overnight.) Intra venous calcium infusion followed by pentagastrin should be administered whilst patient is in a supine position.
Cautions:
Infusion of calcium may lead to transient sensation of tightness in the pharynx and retro-sternal area and epigastric fullness. Infusion of pentagastrin may lead to transient abdominal cramp, nausea, chest discomfort and flushing.

Any factors affecting the test

Not applicable

Turnaround Time

5 – 8 days

Referral centre (if applicable)