Calcitonin, Pentagastrin Stimulation — Serum/Plasma
Measures the rise in blood calcitonin after pentagastrin is given, helping evaluate possible thyroid C-cell disorders when a routine calcitonin result is uncertain.
["This stimulated calcitonin test may help identify conditions involving excess thyroid C-cell activity, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50179-1
- Short code
- Calcit Ca+Pentagastrin Pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- Calcit Ca+Pentagastrin Pnl SerPl
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 calcitonin, a hormone made by thyroid C cells, before and after a controlled dose of pentagastrin. The change in calcitonin is evaluated to look for evidence of excessive C-cell activity.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used when a routine calcitonin test is borderline or when there is concern about medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare thyroid cancer arising from C cells. It may also be considered when there is a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or an inherited thyroid cancer syndrome.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected before pentagastrin is given intravenously. Additional blood samples are then collected at specified times after the injection, and the calcitonin results are compared to determine how strongly the thyroid responded.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing center's instructions, particularly regarding fasting and medications. Pentagastrin must be administered in a supervised medical setting, and you may experience temporary nausea, flushing, abdominal discomfort, or dizziness during the test.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated baseline or stimulated calcitonin level may indicate increased thyroid C-cell activity, most notably medullary thyroid carcinoma. A significant rise after stimulation can be informative when the baseline result is uncertain, but medication, kidney function, and other clinical factors can affect interpretation. Results should be reviewed by a healthcare professional because no single pattern applies to every situation.
Short name
Calcitonin stimulation test
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine calcitonin blood test?
What is pentagastrin used for in this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy