Calcitonin
Clinical Background:
Calcitonin, a polypeptide hormone of 32 amino acids, is secreted by the parafollicular (or C) cells of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin exerts its biological effect by acting on three target organs: b...
Calcitonin, a polypeptide hormone of 32 amino acids, is secreted by the parafollicular (or C) cells of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin exerts its biological effect by acting on three target organs: bone, kidney and the GI tract. The principal physiological action in bone is the inhibition of bone resorption resulting from the binding of calcitonin to specific receptors on the osteoclasts. In the kidney, calcitonin increases urinary clearance of calcium and phosphate. The effect of calcitonin on the GI tract is unclear.
Plasma calcitonin measurements are important in the diagnosis and monitoring of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). MTC accounts for 5-10% of thyroid cancers and arises from the parafollicular C cells, which secrete calcitonin. Although it is a rare disease, MTC is often associated with a poor prognosis. Around 80% of cases are sporadic and it is also associated with the inherited syndromes MEN 2a, MEN 2b and familial MTC.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Lithium heparin plasma
Lithium heparin plasma
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Lithium heparin plasma
Lithium heparin plasma
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Sample taken on ice. To be separated within 30 minutes.
Sample taken on ice. To be separated within 30 minutes.
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: 30 minutes
Separated sample: 4 hours at 20-25°C, 1 day at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°CUnseparated sample: 30 minutes
Separated sample: 4 hours at 20-25°C, 1 day at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°C -
Transport Requirements:
Frozen
Frozen
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Interpretation:
Although raised concentrations of plasma calcitonin are diagnostically sensitive for MTC, elevated calcitonin may be seen in a number of other conditions including hypercalcaemia, hypergastrinaemia...
Read MoreAlthough raised concentrations of plasma calcitonin are diagnostically sensitive for MTC, elevated calcitonin may be seen in a number of other conditions including hypercalcaemia, hypergastrinaemia, neuroendocrine tumours, renal insufficiency and also secondary to medications such as PPIs, beta-blockers and glucocorticoids.
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Reference Ranges:
Adult Female: <6 ng/L
Adult Male: <10 ng/LAdult Female: <6 ng/L
Adult Male: <10 ng/L -
Other Info:
Serum and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable
Serum and EDTA plasma samples also acceptable
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes
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Specialist Contact Name:
Endocrine Lab
Endocrine Lab
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 282 4025
0191 282 4025