Calcitonin, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration (Pre-stimulation, 0.5 µg/kg IV Pentagastrin Protocol)
Measures calcitonin in blood. The label indicates a baseline sample collected before a 0.5 µg/kg intravenous pentagastrin stimulation protocol.
["This blood test measures calcitonin, a hormone that can rise when certain thyroid cells are overactive."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1378-9
- Short code
- Calcit pre 0.5 ug/kg Pg IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Calcit pre 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 test measures the concentration of calcitonin in serum or plasma. Calcitonin is produced by specialized thyroid cells, and the test is most often used to evaluate possible medullary thyroid cancer or related inherited conditions.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order calcitonin because of a thyroid nodule, suspicious lymph nodes, symptoms suggesting medullary thyroid cancer, or a family history of a related inherited condition. The “pre” designation suggests this is the baseline sample obtained before pentagastrin is given to stimulate hormone release.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed to determine the calcitonin concentration. If stimulation testing is being performed, additional timed blood samples may be taken after the intravenous pentagastrin dose for comparison with the baseline result.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the testing team, especially if a stimulation test has been arranged. Pentagastrin can cause temporary flushing, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or changes in heart rhythm, so tell the medical team about heart conditions, medications, and any previous reaction to this medication.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated or rising calcitonin result may indicate overactivity of thyroid C cells and can support evaluation for medullary thyroid cancer, particularly when thyroid or lymph-node findings are also present. Elevated results can occasionally occur for other reasons, so results must be interpreted with symptoms, imaging, family history, and other laboratory findings. A low result generally does not exclude a condition and is less clinically concerning.
Short name
Calcitonin, baseline
Frequently asked questions
What does a baseline calcitonin result mean?
Does an elevated calcitonin level mean I have cancer?
Why might my blood be drawn more than once?
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