Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for 10-12 hours required
- Turnaround: 3-5 days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
The Calcitonin Blood Test measures the level of calcitonin (also known as thyrocalcitonin, human calcitonin, or hCT) in your blood. Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by special cells, called C-cells, located in the thyroid gland. This is a directly measured, quantitative hormone test of serum calcitonin.
This test does not measure other thyroid hormones, thyroid antibodies, or binding proteins. It is specifically used to screen, diagnose, monitor, and evaluate the response to treatment for medullary thyroid cancer, and to assess C-cell hyperplasia, a benign thyroid condition.
Benefits
- Measures serum calcitonin, a hormone linked to C-cell activity
- Helps screen for medullary thyroid cancer
- Supports monitoring of treatment response for medullary thyroid cancer
- Helps check whether medullary thyroid cancer has returned
- Assists in evaluating possible C-cell hyperplasia
- Offers a screening option for those with family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Who Is This Test For?
- People with a lump or swelling in the neck
- Individuals diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer needing treatment monitoring
- People being checked for cancer recurrence after treatment
- Individuals with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- People whose provider suspects C-cell hyperplasia
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this thyroid test?
This test measures calcitonin, a hormone secreted by C-cells in the thyroid gland. It helps a healthcare provider screen for, diagnose, monitor, and evaluate treatment response for medullary thyroid cancer. This is not a comprehensive thyroid panel, and the result alone does not diagnose any condition.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be appropriate for people with symptoms such as a neck lump or swelling, those already diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer who need treatment monitoring, people with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, and those being evaluated for C-cell hyperplasia.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider this test if you have symptoms suggesting medullary thyroid cancer, if your provider wants to monitor your response to cancer treatment, if you're being checked for cancer recurrence, or if you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer and want a screening option.
4. How does this test differ from other thyroid tests?
This test measures the hormone calcitonin, which is secreted by C-cells in the thyroid gland. It is distinct from tests that measure thyroid hormones like T3 or T4, thyroid antibodies, or thyroid-binding proteins. Calcitonin testing focuses specifically on medullary thyroid cancer and C-cell activity.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for 10-12 hours is required before this test.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 days. This may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
Normal calcitonin levels are less than 10 pg/mL. However, the meaning of your result depends on your individual health history, symptoms, and other factors. Certain conditions and medicines, including pregnancy, oral contraceptives, epinephrine, glucagon, and calcium, can raise calcitonin levels without indicating cancer. Results are often considered alongside other clinical information. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm medullary thyroid cancer, and a normal result does not rule it out. Discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your calcitonin level is outside the normal range, review your results with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate based on your health history and symptoms. This result alone does not provide a complete clinical conclusion.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual situation, such as ongoing cancer monitoring, family history, or symptom evaluation.
Pre test preparation
Fasting for 10-12 hours is required before this test.
