AsseyMethod: TLC
Abbrevation: Calcitonin
Sector: Biochemistry
SampleType: S
S.Vol: 0.5
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 4 days at 2-8˚c Ur.:1 month at -20˚c
Test Name: Thyrocalcitonin
Normal Range: -
To help diagnose and monitor C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC); to screen those at risk for MTC because of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) or other mutations in the RET oncogene
If your doctor suspects that you have MTC, if you are being treated for MTC, or if a family member has MTC or MEN 2
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
After an overnight fast, a blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. The sample may need to be collected on ice and must always be transferred to the laboratory for immediate processing.
It is important that the person taking the sample follows the instructions of the local laboratory as different laboratories may require different specimen types. Please contact the local laboratory for details.
This test measures the amount of calcitonin in the blood. The function of calcitonin in the human body is unknown; what is known is that it is a hormone produced by C-cells in the thyroid. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that lies over and flat against the windpipe in the throat. It produces several hormones, primarily T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), that help control the rate of metabolism.
In two rare conditions, C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), excessive amounts of calcitonin are produced. C-cell hyperplasia is a benign condition that may or may not progress to become MTC. MTC is malignant; it can spread beyond the thyroid and can be difficult to treat if it is not discovered early.
About 75-80% of MTC cases are sporadic, but about 20-25% are related to an inherited mutation in the RET oncogene that leads to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a syndrome associated with several related diseases, including MTC. The altered RET oncogene is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that only 1 copy of the mutated oncogene, from either your father or mother, is required to have a greatly increased risk of developing MTC. Most cases of sporadic MTC develop when patients are in their 40s or 50s and the prevalence is higher in women, but inherited MTC affects both sexes equally and can occur at an early age.
How is the sample collected for testing?
Ideally after an overnight fast, a blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. The sample may need to be collected on ice and must be sent to the laboratory for immediate processing.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
It is important that the person taking the sample follows the instructions of the local laboratory as different laboratories may require different specimen types. Please contact the local laboratory for details.