Calcitonin, technical only
Use
Calcitonin is a peptide hormone produced by the C cells of the thyroid gland, which plays a key role in regulating calcium homeostasis by inhibiting bone resorption. In pathology, calcitonin is used as a tumor marker for diagnosing and monitoring medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare form of thyroid cancer originating from the C cells. This test is for technical component only; a pathologist read is not included.
Special Instructions
Fresh tissues should be fixed in formalin for 24-72 hours, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed, although this is not preferred. Samples must be tested within 3 months after placing in ethanol. Unstained slides require positively charged glass to prevent background staining and tissue loss, and should be left unbaked.
Limitations
This test does not include a pathologist interpretation, which must be performed separately. The methodology used is limited to immunohistochemistry, which may not detect all variants of related proteins under certain conditions. The specimens must be fixed properly in 10% NBF or B plus; any deviation may result in rejection. It may not be the ideal choice for all tissue types or conditions due to its specific fixation and processing requirements.
Methodology
Immunoassay (IHC)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (FFPE)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours PREFERRED)
Storage Instructions
Store at 15°C to 25°C. Use a refrigerated gel pack in the shipment to protect from extreme temperatures.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 Hours |
| Refrigerated | Indefinite |
| Frozen | Indefinite |