Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — 90 Minutes After 0.5 mcg/kg Pentagastrin IV, Mass Concentration
A timed blood test that measures calcitonin released 90 minutes after intravenous pentagastrin stimulation.
["This test evaluates how effectively thyroid C cells release calcitonin after stimulation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1372-2
- Short code
- Calcit 90S p 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit 90S 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 timed calcitonin blood test measured 90 minutes after pentagastrin is given intravenously. Pentagastrin stimulates thyroid C cells, which release calcitonin, and the test evaluates the amount released in response.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate thyroid C-cell function, particularly when calcitonin is elevated or when a thyroid or neuroendocrine condition is suspected. Results may be interpreted together with other thyroid and laboratory tests.
How is the test performed?
Blood is collected before and after a medical dose of pentagastrin given through an IV. The laboratory measures calcitonin in the timed blood sample, including the sample obtained 90 minutes after the dose. The medication and timed blood draw are performed in a supervised medical setting.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting, timing, and medications. Because the test requires intravenous medication and repeated blood collection, tell the care team about allergies, pregnancy, thyroid disease, and all medicines or supplements you are using.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An unusually high calcitonin level or a strong response to stimulation may support evaluation for thyroid C-cell disorders, including medullary thyroid carcinoma. A lower-than-expected response can occur with impaired C-cell function, medication effects, or other clinical conditions, so results must be interpreted by a clinician using the full laboratory and medical context.
Short name
Calcitonin stimulation test
Frequently asked questions
What is calcitonin?
Why is the blood test timed?
Do I need to fast for this 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