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Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — 2 Minutes After Intravenous Calcium Administration, Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures blood calcitonin 2 minutes after IV calcium is given as part of a stimulated test used to evaluate thyroid C cells.

Quick summary

["This test checks whether calcitonin rises substantially after a controlled IV calcium stimulus."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
50182-5
Short code
Calcit 2M p CPG IV SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Calcit 2M 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, a hormone made by thyroid C cells, in serum or plasma. It is collected 2 minutes after calcium is given intravenously as part of a calcium stimulation test.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test with a baseline calcitonin measurement when evaluating possible medullary thyroid carcinoma or thyroid C-cell abnormalities. It may be considered for people with an abnormal thyroid ultrasound, an inherited condition associated with thyroid cancer, or an unexplained elevated calcitonin result.

How is the test performed?

Blood is collected before and at timed intervals after IV calcium is administered under medical supervision. The 2-minute sample is analyzed to determine how the thyroid C cells respond to the stimulation.

How do I prepare for the test?

This is usually a monitored outpatient procedure. Follow the laboratory's instructions about fasting, timing, and medications, and tell the care team about any conditions that could affect calcium levels. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician directs you to do so.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

2-Minute Post-IV Calcium Calcitonin

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a routine calcitonin blood test?
No. This result is specifically from the 2-minute sample collected after IV calcium stimulation and should be interpreted together with the baseline and other timed calcitonin measurements.
What does a high result mean?
A high result may suggest increased activity of thyroid C cells, including conditions such as C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma. It does not establish a diagnosis by itself because other factors can also raise calcitonin.
Why is calcium given during the test?
Intravenous calcium provides a controlled stimulus that can make an abnormal calcitonin response easier to detect. The medication and blood draws are managed by healthcare professionals because calcium can cause temporary effects such as flushing, warmth, or a rapid heartbeat.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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