Calcitonin Test
Also known as: Calcitonin Level Test, Calcitonin Blood Test, Thyroid Calcitonin Test
Calcitonin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay on Serum samples. Results in Same day or next working day after sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The calcitonin test is done to check for medullary thyroid cancer, a rare thyroid cancer that causes elevated calcitonin levels. It is also used to monitor treatment effectiveness for MTC, evaluate other thyroid disorders, assess bone loss risk, and investigate unexplained symptoms like neck lumps or hoarseness. This test helps in early detection, guiding treatment decisions, and post-treatment follow-up.
- Test Code
- 250
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Same day or next working day after sample collection.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (8 hours)
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred. Avoid medications that may interfere with results, as advised by your doctor. Stay hydrated.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The process takes a few minutes.
Report Delivery
Apply pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball to stop bleeding. Avoid heavy lifting with the arm for a few hours. Resume normal activities.
Timeline: Same day or next working day after sample collection.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The calcitonin test is done to check for medullary thyroid cancer, a rare thyroid cancer that causes elevated calcitonin levels. It is also used to monitor treatment effectiveness for MTC, evaluate other thyroid disorders, assess bone loss risk, and investigate unexplained symptoms like neck lumps or hoarseness. This test helps in early detection, guiding treatment decisions, and post-treatment follow-up.
How to Prepare
- Fast overnight (8-12 hours) before the test
- Use a Red Top (No Additive) tube; avoid SST gel barrier tubes
- Ship samples frozen; do not thaw during transport
- Ensure proper labeling and handling to avoid contamination
- Collect sample in the morning when calcitonin levels are highest
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Calcitonin testing is vital for early detection and monitoring of medullary thyroid cancer. If you have a family history or symptoms, consult your endocrinologist for personalized evaluation and management."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or lipemic samples
- Incorrect sample container (e.g., SST gel tubes)
- Insufficient sample volume
- Improper labeling or documentation
- Thawed frozen samples if shipped frozen
Understanding Your Results
Normal levels; low risk of medullary thyroid cancer
Action: Routine follow-up as recommended by physician
Range: < 10 pg/mL (males), < 5 pg/mL (females)
Mildly elevated; may indicate C-cell hyperplasia or early MTC
Action: Consult endocrinologist for further evaluation, possibly repeat test or imaging
Range: 10-100 pg/mL
Significantly elevated; high suspicion for medullary thyroid cancer
Action: Urgent consultation with oncologist or endocrinologist for biopsy and treatment planning
Range: > 100 pg/mL
If calcitonin levels are elevated or you experience symptoms like neck lump, swallowing difficulty, or unexplained weight loss, consult an endocrinologist or oncologist immediately for diagnosis and management.
Limitations
- ⚠Not a standalone diagnostic tool; requires correlation with clinical findings and other tests
- ⚠False positives can occur in conditions like renal failure or autoimmune thyroiditis
- ⚠Results may vary based on assay method and laboratory
- ⚠Does not distinguish between benign and malignant conditions definitively
- ⚠Limited utility in routine screening for the general population
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or pain at the blood draw site
- ●Rare risk of infection or fainting
- ●Potential for false positives leading to unnecessary anxiety or tests
Interfering Factors
- ●Certain medications like proton pump inhibitors or calcium supplements
- ●Renal impairment or failure
- ●Recent calcium infusion or high calcium diet
- ●Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- ●Fasting status (non-fasting may affect results)
- ●Sample handling errors (e.g., hemolysis)
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Calcitonin Test | Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test | Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test | Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test | Thyroid Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Calcitonin Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcitonin?
Why is the calcitonin test done?
How is the calcitonin test performed?
What do high calcitonin levels indicate?
What are normal calcitonin levels?
Is fasting required for the calcitonin test?
How much does the calcitonin test cost at DNA Labs India?
Is home sample collection available for the calcitonin test?
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Can the calcitonin test detect other conditions besides cancer?
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