Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — 7 Minutes After 0.5 mcg/kg Pentagastrin IV, Mass Concentration
Measures blood calcitonin 7 minutes after an intravenous pentagastrin stimulation dose to assess the response of thyroid C cells.
["This timed blood test evaluates how strongly thyroid C cells respond to stimulation by measuring stimulated calcitonin."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46413-1
- Short code
- Calcit 7M p 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 7M 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?
Calcitonin is a hormone made mainly by thyroid C cells. This test measures the concentration of calcitonin in a blood sample collected 7 minutes after a specified dose of pentagastrin is given intravenously.
Why might I need this test?
A calcitonin stimulation test may be used to investigate an abnormal calcitonin result or evaluate possible thyroid C-cell disease, including medullary thyroid carcinoma or C-cell hyperplasia. It is a specialized test that is not performed at every laboratory.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional first draws a baseline blood sample, if required, and then gives pentagastrin through an intravenous line. Blood is collected at the specified 7-minute interval, and the calcitonin concentration is measured in the laboratory.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's specific instructions, including any fasting or timing requirements. Tell your care team about thyroid disease, kidney disease, high blood calcium, pregnancy, allergies, and all current medications. Pentagastrin stimulation must be performed under medical supervision.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected calcitonin response may occur with thyroid C-cell hyperplasia, medullary thyroid carcinoma, chronic kidney disease, or other conditions that increase calcitonin. The result must be interpreted with the baseline value, the amount given during stimulation, and the person's medical history; there is no single numerical cutoff that applies to everyone.
Short name
Pentagastrin-Stimulated Calcitonin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine calcitonin blood test?
What does pentagastrin do?
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