Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — 10 Minutes After IV Calcium, Mass Concentration
Measures calcitonin 10 minutes after IV calcium is given during a calcium stimulation test to help evaluate thyroid C-cell function.
["This timed calcitonin measurement is usually interpreted with the baseline result and other thyroid tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50180-9
- Short code
- Calcit 10M p CPG IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 10M p CPG IV SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the concentration of calcitonin in serum or plasma 10 minutes after calcium is given intravenously. It is part of a calcium stimulation test used to evaluate how the thyroid's C cells respond.
Why might I need this test?
Calcitonin testing may be used when there is concern for medullary thyroid carcinoma or C-cell hyperplasia, particularly with an abnormal baseline result, a suspicious thyroid finding, or a relevant family history. The stimulated measurement can provide additional information about C-cell activity.
How is the test performed?
A baseline blood sample is collected before a controlled dose of calcium is given intravenously. A second sample is then collected at the specified time, such as 10 minutes afterward, and both calcitonin measurements are interpreted together.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing center's instructions because this test requires precisely timed blood collection. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician advises you to, and tell the care team if you have kidney disease, low blood calcium, or a history of reactions to IV calcium.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated baseline or stimulated calcitonin level can indicate increased thyroid C-cell activity and may raise concern for medullary thyroid carcinoma or C-cell hyperplasia. A rise after calcium stimulation may be clinically meaningful even when the baseline result is not clearly elevated. Results should be interpreted by a clinician alongside thyroid imaging, family history, genetic testing when appropriate, and other laboratory findings.
Short name
10-minute post-calcium calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
Why is a baseline calcitonin test needed?
Does an abnormal result mean I have cancer?
Is fasting required for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy