Calcitonin Test

Calcitonin Test and its Function

A Calcitonin test is a laboratory test used to measure the level of calcitonin in the blood. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by certain cells in the thyroid gland. The function of calcitonin is to regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the release of calcium from bones and promoting its excretion by the kidneys.

Conditions that may require Calcitonin Test

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC): Calcitonin is a valuable tumor marker for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of MTC. A Calcitonin test can help detect MTC at an early stage, determine the extent of the disease, monitor response to treatment, and detect recurrence.
Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules: In cases where a thyroid nodule is suspected to be cancerous, a Calcitonin test may be performed as part of the evaluation. Elevated calcitonin levels can indicate the presence of MTC and may prompt further diagnostic investigations or treatment decisions.
Familial Medullary Thyroid Cancer (FMTC): FMTC is a hereditary form of MTC that runs in families. In individuals with a family history of MTC or certain genetic mutations associated with FMTC, a Calcitonin test can be used to screen for the disease and facilitate early detection.

Calcitonin Test Procedure

The Calcitonin Test is a simple blood test that can be performed in a laboratory. Before the test, the patient may be asked to avoid certain medications that may affect the results. During the test, our healthcare professional will use a needle to draw blood from a vein in the patient's arm. The blood sample will then be sent to our laboratory for analysis.

Interpreting Calcitonin Test Results

Interpreting Calcitonin test results involves comparing the measured calcitonin level with established reference ranges for different age groups. Elevated calcitonin levels, especially in the presence of thyroid nodules or a family history of MTC, may indicate the presence of MTC or other thyroid-related conditions. However, additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and biopsy, are often required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate management.