Calcitonin, 2 Minutes After 0.5 mcg/kg Pentagastrin IV — Serum/Plasma, Mass Concentration
A timed calcitonin blood test measured 2 minutes after IV pentagastrin, used to assess thyroid C-cell activity when routine testing is inconclusive.
["This test measures how strongly the thyroid C cells release calcitonin after a controlled stimulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21133-4
- Short code
- Calcit 2M p 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 2M p 0.5 ug/kg Pg 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 is a stimulation test that measures the amount of calcitonin in blood 2 minutes after a calculated dose of pentagastrin is given through an IV. Pentagastrin temporarily stimulates thyroid C cells, which produce calcitonin.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used when a routine calcitonin result does not clearly explain symptoms or test findings. It can help evaluate increased thyroid C-cell activity, including possible C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected before the medication is given. A clinician or trained staff member then administers pentagastrin through an IV, and additional blood samples are collected at specified times, including 2 minutes afterward. The samples are tested for calcitonin.
How do I prepare for the test?
Because this is a specialized stimulation test, follow the laboratory's instructions about fasting, timing, and medications. Tell the healthcare team about allergies, pregnancy, kidney problems, or any reaction you previously had to injectable medicines before pentagastrin is given.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated baseline or stimulated calcitonin level may suggest increased thyroid C-cell activity and can occur with C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, mild elevations may have other causes, and an abnormal result alone does not establish a cancer diagnosis. Your clinician will interpret the result with your symptoms, examination, imaging, and other tests.
Short name
Pentagastrin-Stimulated Calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
Why are several blood samples needed?
Does an abnormal result mean I have thyroid cancer?
Is this the same as a routine calcitonin blood 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.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy