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Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium-Pentagastrin Test

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Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium-Pentagastrin Test

Short Name: Calcitonin Stimulation Test

Also known as: Calcium Pentagastrin Test, Calcitonin Stimulation Test, Pentagastrin Stimulation Test

Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium-Pentagastrin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹14,500. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay on 2 mL (0.5 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube for each timed specimen. Do not use SST gel barrier tubes. samples. Results in Samples collected Monday or Thursday by 4 pm are reported the same day. Frozen specimens must reach the laboratory without thawing.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

OncologyAll age groups🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

This test is used to evaluate calcitonin secretion after stimulation with calcium gluconate and pentagastrin, aiding in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Test Code
3454
Price
₹14,500
Sample Type
2 mL (0.5 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube for each timed specimen. Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
Result Time
Samples collected Monday or Thursday by 4 pm are reported the same day. Frozen specimens must reach the laboratory without thawing.
Fasting Required
Yes
Method
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting is mandatory. Inform the doctor about all medications, allergies, heart disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, or previous reactions to calcium or pentagastrin.

Method: Intravenous blood collection after controlled calcium gluconate and pentagastrin stimulation

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

The patient remains supine. An IV line is placed. Baseline serum is drawn, then calcium gluconate 2 mg/kg IV over 1 minute followed by pentagastrin 0.5 ug/kg IV bolus over 5 seconds. Additional serum samples are drawn at 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

The IV line is removed and the site is pressed. You may resume normal activities after a short observation period. Side effects usually resolve quickly.

Timeline: Samples collected Monday or Thursday by 4 pm are reported the same day. Frozen specimens must reach the laboratory without thawing.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Overnight fasting is mandatory. Inform your doctor about all medications, allergies, prior reactions to calcium or pentagastrin, kidney disease, heart disease, or pregnancy.
2
During the Test:You will be lying down. Calcium gluconate is injected into a vein over one minute, followed by a pentagastrin injection over five seconds. Blood samples are drawn at baseline, 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes. You may feel transient warmth, flushing, or nausea.
3
After the Test:You may resume normal diet and activities after the test unless advised otherwise. Keep the site clean. Side effects usually resolve quickly.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

This test is used to evaluate calcitonin secretion after stimulation with calcium gluconate and pentagastrin, aiding in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

How to Prepare

  • Overnight fasting is mandatory.
  • Draw baseline fasting specimen before stimulation.
  • With the patient supine, administer Calcium Gluconate IV 2 mg/kg body weight over 1 minute.
  • Follow with Pentagastrin IV bolus 0.5 ug/kg body weight over 5 seconds.
  • Draw additional specimens at 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.
  • Clearly mark each timed specimen and submit with one test request form.
  • Ship frozen. Do not thaw.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"This test is used when medullary thyroid cancer is suspected, particularly in patients with a thyroid nodule, family history of MEN2, or elevated basal calcitonin. The stimulated calcitonin response helps differentiate C-cell disease from other causes."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample Type2 mL (0.5 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube for each timed specimen. Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
Sample Volume2 mL per timed specimen
ContainerRed Top (No Additive) tube
Collection MethodIntravenous blood collection after controlled calcium gluconate and pentagastrin stimulation

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: NA
Refrigerator: NA
Frozen: 2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Thawed specimens
  • SST gel barrier tube used
  • Unmarked or improperly timed samples
  • Insufficient sample volume

Understanding Your Results

Elevated basal or stimulated calcitonin levels suggest C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma. A peak stimulated calcitonin above 100 pg/mL is highly suspicious for MTC, while levels below 30 pg/mL are generally considered normal.
📊

Normal

Level: Basal calcitonin < 10 pg/mL and stimulated < 30 pg/mL

📊

Indeterminate or borderline; clinical correlation is required

Level: Stimulated calcitonin 30-100 pg/mL

📊

Suspicious for medullary thyroid carcinoma

Level: Stimulated calcitonin > 100 pg/mL

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult an oncologist or endocrinologist if the stimulated calcitonin is elevated, or if you have neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, persistent cough, neck pain, or a known family history of MEN2 or medullary thyroid cancer.

Limitations

  • ⚠A normal result does not completely exclude medullary thyroid carcinoma.
  • ⚠Pentagastrin may not be available in all centres.
  • ⚠The test must be performed under medical supervision.
  • ⚠Interpretation may be affected by renal failure or other non-thyroid conditions.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Transient flushing
  • ●Nausea or vomiting
  • ●Chest tightness or shortness of breath (rare)
  • ●Bleeding or bruising at the blood draw site
  • ●Allergic reaction (rare)

Interfering Factors

  • ●Use of SST gel barrier tubes
  • ●Thawing of frozen specimens
  • ●Improper timing of sample collection
  • ●Incomplete overnight fasting
  • ●Medications or conditions that alter calcitonin secretion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium-Pentagastrin Test?
It is a blood test that measures calcitonin levels before and after giving calcium gluconate and pentagastrin to help diagnose medullary thyroid cancer.
Why is the test done?
To evaluate suspected medullary thyroid carcinoma, especially in people with a thyroid lump, high basal calcitonin, or family history of MEN2.
How do I prepare for the test?
Overnight fasting is mandatory. Follow your doctor's instructions, inform about all medications, and report any allergies.
How is the test performed?
A fasting baseline sample is drawn. Calcium gluconate and pentagastrin are given intravenously, and further blood samples are drawn at 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes.
Is the test painful?
You may feel a brief pinch from the IV line and blood draws. Some people experience transient flushing, warmth, or nausea from the injections.
What is the cost of Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium-Pentagastrin Test at DNA Labs India?
The cost is INR 14500. Free home sample collection may be available for online bookings.
When will I get the reports?
If the sample is collected on Monday or Thursday by 4 pm, reports are usually available the same day.
What sample type is used?
Serum from a Red Top (No Additive) tube is collected for each timed specimen. SST gel barrier tubes should not be used.
What are normal calcitonin levels?
Basal calcitonin is generally below 10 pg/mL in males and below 5 pg/mL in females; stimulated levels below 30 pg/mL are generally considered normal.
What does an elevated stimulated calcitonin mean?
A high peak stimulated calcitonin, especially over 100 pg/mL, is suspicious for medullary thyroid carcinoma and needs further evaluation.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Pentagastrin may cause transient nausea, flushing, chest tightness, or headache. Serious allergic reactions are rare. The test is done under medical supervision.
Can I book home sample collection?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings for this test in many cities across India.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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