Calcitonin, Serum
Use
This test aids in the diagnosis and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma and in the evaluation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type II and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, and elevated levels may indicate malignant tumors arising from thyroid C cells. The test is not useful for evaluating calcium metabolic diseases.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation includes avoiding multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin for 12 hours before specimen collection. Specimens should be placed on ice immediately after collection and refrigerated during centrifugation before transferring to a plastic vial.
Limitations
Falsely elevated values can occur in patients with human antimouse antibodies or heterophilic antibodies. Interference may arise due to extremely high titers of antibodies to analyte-specific antibodies, streptavidin, or ruthenium. Different assay methods or kits can yield different values that cannot be used interchangeably. Results should not be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1992-7
- 1992-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
After collection, immediately place the specimen on ice. Refrigerate specimen during centrifugation and immediately transfer serum to a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
| Frozen | 90 days |