Calcitonin (Thyrocalcitonin), Five Specimens
Use
This panel is a series panel requiring multiple tubes to be drawn at multiple time points: baseline and then after administration of a stimulant (pill, shot, or glucola) to measure calcitonin response over time. It is used to assess stimulated calcitonin secretion, which may aid in diagnosis of C‑cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid carcinoma, particularly when baseline levels are not elevated, and to evaluate response to provocative testing using calcium, pentagastrin, or both.
Special Instructions
This is a multiple‑specimen panel and should only be used when a stimulant is given; do not use if no treatment is administered after the first draw. The clinic must be contacted to determine appropriateness of ordering. Refer to the Endocrine Appendix of the LabCorp Directory of Services for detailed instructions on multiple specimen testing.
Limitations
Turnaround time may be prolonged in cases requiring confirmatory or reflex testing. The panel does not provide serial monitoring; it is a one‑time diagnostic series. Values obtained using different assay methods should not be used interchangeably if serial testing is required.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunochemiluminometric assay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 12506-2
- 12507-0
- 12508-8
- 33788-1
- 46963-5
- 58892-1
- 58892-1
- 46963-5
- 33788-1
- 12506-2
- 12507-0
- 12508-8
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
approximately 1 mL per tube
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Multiple timed serum tubes drawn at baseline and at subsequent time points after stimulant administration; must be clearly labeled and submitted per multiple‑specimen panel requirements.