Calcitonin Blood Test. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
General Information
Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland. As an antagonist to parathyroid hormone, its function is to lower blood calcium levels and inhibit bone osteoclast activity.
Calcitonin levels gradually decrease with age but increase in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The calcitonin test is used as a marker for medullary thyroid cancer and to assess calcium metabolism in osteoporosis.
Procedure Process
Preparation
The patient must be at rest. Avoid fatty foods the day before and refrain from calcium supplements.
Calcitonin Blood Test Procedure
Performed on an empty stomach in the morning, it involves drawing venous blood into a vacuum system with a clotting activator or without anticoagulant. The blood is cooled, serum separated, and frozen at -20°C. Post-venipuncture, blood is collected in an empty tube or with gel, quickly chilled (but not frozen), and sent to the lab. The puncture site is pressed with a cotton ball until bleeding stops. If a hematoma forms, warming compresses are prescribed.
Indications
The test may diagnose medullary thyroid carcinoma, assess surgical removal efficacy, monitor treatment response, predict disease recurrence in affected patients, and serve as a screening tool for family members (20% of cases are familial).
Test Interpretation
Normal ranges: newborns (1-7 days) 70-348 pg/mL; children up to 70 pg/mL; adults up to 150 pg/mL.
Prices and Clinics
The service is provided by a qualified endocrinologist in private or public clinics. More details are available on the medical portal.
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