Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm vein
- Fasting: 10-12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early cancer detection - Identifies medullary thyroid cancer before symptoms appear
- No doctor visit required - Order online and visit any local lab
- High accuracy - Sensitive immunoassay technology detects even small elevations
- Treatment monitoring - Tracks therapy effectiveness and cancer recurrence
- Peace of mind - Especially valuable for those with family history
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome
- People experiencing neck lumps, swelling, or other thyroid symptoms
- Patients monitoring treatment response after thyroid cancer diagnosis
- Those undergoing surveillance for cancer recurrence after surgery
- Adults seeking proactive thyroid health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select test and order online, then choose your preferred lab location
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw takes just minutes at thousands of locations
- Get results - Secure online delivery within 5-7 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Calcitonin hormone levels in your blood, produced by thyroid C-cells.
How accurate is this test for detecting cancer? Very high sensitivity and specificity for medullary thyroid cancer detection (Leeds Teaching Hospitals 2024).
Can other conditions cause elevated results? Yes, pregnancy, kidney failure, and certain medications can moderately increase levels (Mount Sinai 2023).
Do I need to fast before this test? Fasting for 10-12 hours is recommended for most accurate results.
What happens if my results are abnormal? Elevated levels require follow-up with an endocrinologist or oncologist for further evaluation.
How often should I get tested? Depends on risk factors - typically every 6-12 months for monitoring cases.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Calcitonin Blood Test measures calcitonin hormone levels to help diagnose, monitor, and screen for medullary thyroid cancer and C-cell hyperplasia. Calcitonin is produced by C-cells in the thyroid gland and helps regulate calcium levels. Elevated levels strongly suggest medullary thyroid cancer, which accounts for 3-4% of all thyroid cancers but is particularly aggressive (MedlinePlus 2022).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic condition that significantly increases medullary thyroid cancer risk. People experiencing thyroid symptoms like neck lumps or swelling should also consider testing. Additionally, patients previously treated for thyroid cancer benefit from regular monitoring to detect recurrence early (UCLA Health 2024).
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you have thyroid cancer symptoms, during follow-up after thyroid cancer treatment, or for screening if you're at high risk. Early detection through calcitonin testing significantly improves survival rates and reduces treatment complexity. Regular screening in MEN 2 carriers can detect cancer early, reducing both morbidity and treatment costs.
How do I interpret the results?
Calcitonin Level:
Less than 10 pg/mL: Normal range
- Action: Continue routine monitoring if at risk
10-100 pg/mL: Mildly elevated
- Action: Consider stimulation test, repeat testing
Greater than 100 pg/mL: Significantly elevated
- Action: Immediate specialist referral needed
Normal levels can vary slightly between laboratories, so always compare your results to the reference range provided.
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.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 10-12 hours before your blood draw to ensure accurate results. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, particularly oral contraceptives, calcium supplements, or hormones, as these may affect calcitonin levels. Pregnancy can also cause mild elevations, so mention if you might be pregnant.
How often should I get tested?
- High-risk screening (MEN 2 carriers): Every 6-12 months
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 6 months initially, then annually
- General health screening: As recommended by physician
- After abnormal results: Follow specialist recommendations
Why early detection matters
Medullary thyroid cancer is aggressive and can spread quickly to lymph nodes and other organs. Early detection through calcitonin testing, before symptoms appear, dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. When caught early, surgical removal is often curative. Late-stage detection requires more extensive treatment and has poorer outcomes (Leeds Teaching Hospitals 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test - Provides broader thyroid function assessment and helps differentiate various thyroid disorders.
Free T3 and Free T4 Blood Test Panel - measure actual thyroid hormone levels to assess hyperthyroidism severity.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) - detects other autoimmune thyroid antibodies, helping differentiate various thyroiditis types.
