At a glance

Also known as

Human calcitonin; thyrocalcitonin

Why get tested?


When to get tested?


Sample required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

What is being tested?




How is the sample collected for testing?


The Test

How is it used?

The calcitonin test is primarily ordered to help diagnose C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for MTC, and to monitor patients for recurrence. It is also used to screen for MTC in family members of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).

Stimulation tests are more sensitive than calcitonin measurements alone. This involves collecting a baseline sample, then giving the patient an injection of intravenous calcium or less commonly, pentagastrin to stimulate calcitonin production. Several more blood samples are then collected over the next few minutes to gauge the effect of the stimulation. Patients with early C-cell hyperplasia and/or MTC will usually have very significant increases in their levels of calcitonin during this test.

When is it requested?

Calcitonin levels may be ordered when a patient is suspected of having C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid cancer. Stimulation tests may be ordered when a patient has indeterminate or normal calcitonin results but clinical suspicions remain. These tests may be regularly performed on family members of patients who have MEN 2, starting at an early age, in order to detect MTC or C-cell hyperplasia as soon as it occurs. When someone has been treated for MTC, calcitonin testing will usually be ordered at regular intervals to monitor treatment effectiveness and recurrence.

What does the test result mean?

An elevated concentration of calcitonin means that excessive amounts are being produced. Significantly elevated levels of calcitonin are a good indicator of C-cell hyperplasia or MTC; however, the doctor will use other procedures, such as a thyroid biopsy, scan, and ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis.

With successful treatment for MTC (removal of the thyroid gland and often some surrounding tissues), calcitonin levels will usually fall to very low levels. If the values stay low over time, then it is likely that the treatment was effective. In some cases, calcitonin levels will fall but remain moderately elevated after treatment. This means that some calcitonin-producing tissue remains. Doctors will monitor calcitonin and watch for increases over time. If calcitonin levels begin to rise, then it is likely that there is a recurrence of MTC.

About Reference Intervals

Is there anything else I should know?

Genetic (DNA) tests are also used in patients suspected of having MEN2, to check if the person carries the abnormal gene that causes the condition.

Other thyroid tests, such as free T4, free T3, and TSH, are usually normal when calcitonin levels are elevated.

Concentrations of calcitonin may be increased with use of drugs such as epinephrine, glucagon, and oral contraceptives, and are normally higher in newborns as well as in women during pregnancy.

Other conditions with elevated calcitonin include:

  • Intestinal, gastric, or bronchial carcinoid tumours
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  • Pernicious anemia

Common Questions

Why isn't calcitonin testing performed as a routine screen?

C-cell hyperplasia and medullary thyroid cancer are both sufficiently rare that it is not useful to screen for calcitonin in the general population.

If my thyroid is removed, will I need to replace my calcitonin?

No, the body can function without it. But you will need to take other thyroid hormones, usually thyroxine (T4), to regulate your metabolism.

Last Review Date: February 13, 2019