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Calcitonin Serum Test
Also known as: Calcitonin Thyrocalcitonin Serum
No special precautions
Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
NABL & CAP Accredited Labs
Accurate & Quality Test Reports
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
Calcitonin Thyrocalcitonin Serum Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Thyrocalcitonin Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help diagnose and monitor medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and other thyroid-related conditions |
| Preparation | Avoid high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg/day) for at least 8 hours before blood collection |
| Fasting | Fasting not required |
| Reporting Time | After 8 hours |
| Cost | 2,400 |
What is a Calcitonin Test?
The Calcitonin Test measures the level of the hormone calcitonin in your blood. Calcitonin is produced by specialised cells in your thyroid gland called C-cells. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body and plays a role in bone metabolism.
Doctors commonly use this test to detect and monitor medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare form of thyroid cancer, as well as to identify C-cell hyperplasia, a condition where these hormone-producing cells grow excessively.
The test requires a simple blood sample, taken from a vein in your arm, and is analysed using the Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) method for accurate measurement.
What Does a Calcitonin Test Measure?
This test evaluates the concentration of calcitonin hormone in your bloodstream. It helps your doctor to:
- Diagnose Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Detects abnormally high calcitonin levels caused by this specific thyroid cancer.
- Identify C-cell Hyperplasia: Finds early signs of excessive C-cell growth in the thyroid.
- Monitor Treatment Response: Tracks calcitonin levels after thyroid surgery or therapy for MTC to check for recurrence.
- Evaluate Calcium Metabolism: Assesses hormonal regulation of calcium and bone metabolism.
- Screen Genetic Conditions: Supports early detection in people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), a hereditary condition linked to MTC.
Calcitonin Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for a Calcitonin Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience:
- A thyroid lump or swelling in the neck
- Unexplained hoarseness, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing
- Family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome
- Persistent diarrhoea, flushing, or fatigue associated with thyroid dysfunction
Who Should Get a Calcitonin Test?
- People with suspected thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer
- Individuals with a family history of MTC or MEN2 syndrome
- Patients previously treated for thyroid cancer, to monitor recurrence
- Individuals with unexplained elevated calcium levels
Why is a Calcitonin Test Done?
The test helps detect and monitor medullary thyroid carcinoma, a tumour of the thyroid’s C-cells. It also helps doctors decide on further investigations, such as a fine needle aspiration biopsy, or specialised stimulation tests if calcitonin levels are borderline.
Importance of a Calcitonin Test
Measuring calcitonin levels is crucial in the early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma — one of the few cancers that can be identified through a specific hormone marker. Monitoring this hormone also helps assess treatment success after surgery or therapy. Since elevated levels can occur even before symptoms appear, the test plays an important role in preventive health and family screening for hereditary thyroid conditions like MEN2.
Calcitonin Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Calcitonin Test and Get Your Reports
- Simple Online Booking
Book your Calcitonin Test easily via the Metropolis Healthcare website or mobile app. You can also visit your nearest Metropolis Lab for sample collection. - Safe Blood Sample Collection
A trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample (about 3 ml) from a vein in your arm using a sterile gel vacutainer tube. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed in a NABL & CAP accredited Metropolis Lab using Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) technology to measure calcitonin precisely. - Quick Report Delivery
Receive your test report via email, WhatsApp, or download it directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for Calcitonin Test Available Near You?
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers home blood sample collection for the Calcitonin Test.
Our trained technicians visit your home following strict safety and hygiene protocols, ensuring a convenient and comfortable testing experience.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Calcitonin Test Report?
Reports are usually available within 8 hours after the sample reaches the Metropolis Lab.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.
Where Can I See or Get Calcitonin Test Results?
You can access your results easily through multiple options:
- Log in to your account on the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp.
- Collect a printed copy from your nearest Metropolis Lab.
Interpreting Calcitonin Test Results
What Your Calcitonin Test Results May Indicate
|
Parameter |
Normal Range |
High Values May Indicate |
Low Values May Indicate |
|
Calcitonin (Thyrocalcitonin) |
0–10.2 pg/mL |
Medullary thyroid carcinoma, C-cell hyperplasia, hypercalcaemia, chronic inflammation, liver or pancreatic disorders |
Usually not clinically significant |
Understanding Abnormal Calcitonin Test Results by Parameter
|
Parameter |
High/Positive Result May Indicate |
Low/Negative Result May Indicate |
|
Calcitonin (Thyrocalcitonin) |
May indicate medullary thyroid carcinoma, C-cell hyperplasia, chronic liver disease, or use of certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors or corticosteroids |
Normal thyroid function, no evidence of C-cell abnormality |
How Should You Prepare for a Calcitonin Test?
To ensure accurate results, follow these instructions before your test:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Biotin caution: Stop taking high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg/day) at least 8 hours before sample collection.
- Medication review: Inform your doctor if you’re taking corticosteroids, β-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors, as these may increase calcitonin levels.
- Normal hydration: Drink water as usual.
- Stay relaxed: Stress and illness can temporarily affect hormone levels.
How Is a Calcitonin Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The Calcitonin Test is a simple blood test performed as follows:
- Preparation: A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make veins visible.
- Cleaning: The puncture site is cleaned using antiseptic.
- Sample Collection: About 3 ml of blood is drawn into a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
- Processing: The sample is tested using Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) to measure calcitonin levels accurately.
Conditions That May Affect Calcitonin Test Accuracy
Certain factors can influence your calcitonin levels and affect test interpretation:
- High-dose biotin use: Can interfere with test results; stop supplements at least 8 hours before testing.
- Medications: Drugs like proton pump inhibitors, β-blockers, corticosteroids, and glucagon may raise calcitonin levels.
- Smoking and alcohol: Both can cause temporary increases in calcitonin levels.
- Stress and acute illness: May slightly elevate hormone levels.
- Hormonal conditions: Disorders affecting calcium balance can influence results.
Diseases That a Calcitonin Test Can Help Detect
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
- C-cell Hyperplasia
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
- Hypercalcaemia
- Chronic liver or inflammatory disorders
Calcitonin Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a Calcitonin Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Calcitonin Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 2,300 to ₹ 2,400 |
|
|
₹ 2,300 to ₹ 2,400 |
|
|
₹ 2,300 to ₹ 2,400 |
|
|
₹ 2,300 to ₹ 2,400 |
The Calcitonin Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Calcitonin Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Kiriakopoulos A., Giannakis P., Menenakos E. (2022). Calcitonin: current concepts and differential diagnosis. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab, 13, 20420188221099344. PMID: 35634028
- Wells S.A. Jr., Asa S.L., Dralle H., et al. (2015). Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for medullary thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid, 25(6), 567–610. PMID: 25810047
- Elisei R., et al. (2013). Prognostic significance of calcitonin doubling time in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 98(2), 687–694. PMID: 23293310
- Machens A., Dralle H. (2010). Biomarker-based diagnosis and management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Clinical Endocrinology, 73(2), 163–171. PMID: 20384641
- Costante G., et al. (2007). Serum calcitonin measurement in patients with nodular thyroid disease: a cost-effective strategy for early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(2), 423–429. PMID: 17148562
Calcitonin Thyrocalcitonin Serum Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Calcitonin Thyrocalcitonin Serum with a clear pricing structure.
The Calcitonin Thyrocalcitonin Serum Price in Mumbai is ₹ 2,400 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It measures the level of calcitonin hormone in your blood, produced by thyroid C-cells.
It helps diagnose and monitor medullary thyroid carcinoma and C-cell hyperplasia
Fasting is not required.
Yes, high doses of biotin can interfere with results; stop taking them 8 hours before your test.
Typically below 10.2 pg/mL, though normal ranges may vary slightly by lab.
It may suggest medullary thyroid carcinoma, C-cell hyperplasia, or other conditions such as chronic liver disease.
A simple blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and analysed using ECLIA.
Reports are usually ready within 8 hours after the sample reaches the lab.
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We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
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