Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — 5-Minute Post-IV, Mass Concentration
A timed blood test measuring calcitonin about 5 minutes after an intravenous challenge, usually as part of a specialized thyroid evaluation.
["This test measures the amount of calcitonin in your blood at a precisely timed point after an IV challenge."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50181-7
- Short code
- Calcit 5M p CPG IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 5M 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?
Calcitonin is a hormone made mainly by specialized thyroid cells called C cells. This test measures its concentration in serum or plasma about 5 minutes after an intravenous challenge.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when evaluating a thyroid nodule, an unusual thyroid finding, or a possible medullary thyroid tumor. A timed measurement after stimulation can provide additional information about how the thyroid's C cells respond.
How is the test performed?
Blood is collected through a vein into serum or plasma tubes. Because this is a timed post-IV measurement, the blood must be drawn at the exact interval specified by the testing protocol, and the laboratory records the collection and IV administration times.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the testing facility, including any fasting requirements and the prescribed timing of the IV challenge and blood draw. Inform the care team about medications, kidney disease, pregnancy, or any prior reaction to the challenge agent, and do not stop medicines unless instructed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated calcitonin response may point to increased activity of thyroid C cells and can occur with medullary thyroid carcinoma or related conditions. Results are also influenced by factors such as kidney function, calcium levels, and certain medications, so the care team should interpret the timed value alongside the baseline result and other thyroid findings.
Short name
5-minute post-IV calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine calcitonin blood test?
Why is the exact collection time important?
Does an abnormal result mean I have thyroid cancer?
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