Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
A blood test that measures calcitonin, a hormone made by thyroid C cells, most often to help evaluate possible thyroid tumors or related conditions.
["Elevated or unexpectedly low calcitonin may prompt further evaluation of thyroid C cells and other causes of abnormal calcium regulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21134-2
- Short code
- Calcit 3M p 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 3M p 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 80
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- 20 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302346007
- 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. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by thyroid C cells that helps regulate calcium levels.
Why might I need this test?
Calcitonin is most often used to help evaluate thyroid nodules or suspected medullary thyroid carcinoma. It may also be used in the assessment of certain calcium-related conditions or as part of a stimulation test.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory measures the amount of calcitonin in the serum or plasma. If this is part of a timed or stimulation test, samples may need to be collected before and after a medication or challenge, so exact timing is important.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required for a routine calcitonin measurement. However, some stimulation protocols require specific timing, medication administration, or repeated blood draws; follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or testing facility.
Reference range
Adult: 80-200 ng/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected calcitonin result may occur with thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, but it can also result from other causes such as kidney impairment, liver disease, or certain medications. Lower results may be seen in some people with reduced thyroid C-cell function or after certain treatments. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and other laboratory tests.
Short name
Calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required for a calcitonin blood test?
What does an elevated calcitonin level mean?
Why might more than one blood sample be collected?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy