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Calcitonin Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Calcitonin Test

A calcitonin test measures the level of a specific hormone in your blood to help diagnose or monitor conditions like medullary thyroid cancer.

Overview

A calcitonin test measures the level of calcitonin in your blood. Calcitonin is a hormone produced by "C cells" in your thyroid gland that helps control blood calcium levels. Elevated levels of this hormone can be a sign of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia, a condition involving abnormal growth of C cells.

What is it used for?

The test is primarily used to:

  • Diagnose C-cell hyperplasia and MTC in symptomatic individuals.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of MTC treatment.
  • Monitor for the recurrence of cancer after treatment.
  • Screen individuals at high risk, particularly those with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the RET gene.

Why do I need a calcitonin test?

You may need this test if you exhibit symptoms of MTC or MEN 2, or if you have a family history of these conditions. Symptoms of MTC may include a lump in the neck, swollen lymph nodes, throat pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, voice changes, a persistent cough, or diarrhea. Symptoms of MEN 2 vary based on the glands affected and can include fatigue, depression, bone/joint pain, nausea, high blood pressure, headaches, arrhythmia, and sweating.

What happens during the test?

A health care professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The process typically takes less than five minutes. You may be required to fast for several hours before the test if instructed by your provider.

Understanding Results

Results are interpreted based on the reason for the testing:

  • Diagnostic/Screening: A normal level does not rule out disease, while a high level suggests C-cell hyperplasia or MTC. High levels can also be caused by other cancers, medications, or pregnancy.
  • Monitoring: Decreasing levels generally indicate successful treatment. Levels that remain higher than normal may suggest residual cancer tissue, while increasing levels may indicate that cancer has returned or spread.

In some cases, a calcitonin stimulation test may be ordered, where medicine is administered intravenously to trigger calcitonin production to assess thyroid function more accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fasting is generally not required for a standard calcitonin test. You can typically eat and drink as usual before the appointment unless your specific healthcare provider gives you different instructions. However, if you are undergoing a stimulated calcitonin test, which involves injecting a substance to provoke a hormone release, you may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand to ensure accurate baseline measurements. How does a high calcitonin level affect my daily life or symptoms?::A significantly elevated calcitonin level is often associated with medullary thyroid cancer or C-cell hyperplasia. While the hormone itself helps regulate calcium, high levels do not usually cause direct symptoms like bone pain or fatigue on their own. Instead, symptoms arise from the underlying condition, such as a palpable neck lump, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, or diarrhea. Treating the underlying cause, such as removing the thyroid gland, is the primary way to manage these symptoms. Can stress or other medical conditions cause a false positive result?::Yes, several factors can elevate calcitonin levels without the presence of cancer. Chronic kidney disease, severe inflammation, or the use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors (used for acid reflux) can lead to mildly elevated levels. Additionally, the physical stress of the blood draw itself can sometimes cause a minor spike. If levels are only slightly high, your provider may repeat the test or order additional imaging to rule out these benign causes before diagnosing a malignancy. What is the difference between a basal and a stimulated calcitonin test?::A basal calcitonin test measures the hormone level in your blood under normal resting conditions, which is the standard initial screening tool. A stimulated calcitonin test involves administering a substance, such as calcium or pentagastrin, to trigger the C-cells to release more hormone. This test is more sensitive and is typically used when basal levels are borderline or when a more definitive diagnosis is needed to distinguish between mild hyperplasia and early-stage cancer.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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