Calcitonin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Calcitonin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Thyrocalcitonin test, Human calcitonin (hCT) test, CT test, Serum calcitonin test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Fasting not required; avoid biotin supplements for 8 hours before the test |
| Report Time | Within 24 hours |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages; particularly those with thyroid nodules, a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or MEN 2 syndrome |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What Is a Calcitonin Test?
A calcitonin test measures the level of calcitonin, a hormone produced by specialised cells in the thyroid gland. Doctors order this test to investigate thyroid nodules, screen for certain thyroid conditions, or monitor patients already diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. It is also known as the thyrocalcitonin test, the human calcitonin (hCT) test, or simply the CT test. The test requires a small blood sample drawn from a vein.
What Does a Calcitonin Test Measure?
The hCT test measures the amount of calcitonin circulating in the blood. Calcitonin is made by parafollicular cells, also called C cells, in the thyroid gland. Its primary role is to regulate calcium levels in the body by slowing the breakdown of bone. Abnormal calcitonin levels can signal problems with these C cells.
The test analyses one key parameter:
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Calcitonin (serum) | The concentration of calcitonin hormone in the blood, produced by thyroid C cells; used to detect abnormal C-cell activity |
Why Is a Calcitonin Test Done?
A doctor may order a calcitonin test for a variety of reasons, from investigating symptoms to keeping track of a known condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms can prompt a doctor to check calcitonin levels:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Pain in the neck or throat
- Hoarseness or a noticeable change in voice quality
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- A persistent cough that is not related to a cold or infection
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The thyrocalcitonin test can help identify several conditions, including:
- Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a rare cancer that develops when thyroid C cells grow abnormally
- C-cell hyperplasia, an overgrowth of C cells that can develop into medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), an inherited condition that raises the risk of MTC
- Certain other neuroendocrine tumours, including those linked to the lung, breast, prostate, and pancreas
Calcitonin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
After surgery for medullary thyroid cancer, doctors measure calcitonin levels alongside imaging to assess whether the disease has been fully removed. A measurement is typically taken at around three months after surgery, and if levels are within the normal range, further checks are recommended every 6 to 12 months. Tracking calcitonin over multiple readings, usually at least four over two to three years, helps doctors estimate how quickly levels are changing, which gives useful information about the long-term outlook.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting a calcitonin blood test requires only a little preparation. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You should also avoid multivitamins and dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7, sometimes found in hair, skin, and nail supplements) for at least 12 hours before your sample is collected. If you are being tested alongside other investigations, check with your doctor, as those tests may have their own preparation requirements.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure accurate results:
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, especially oral contraceptives, calcium supplements, or hormones, as these can affect calcitonin levels
- Inform the laboratory if you are pregnant
- Avoid vigorous physical exercise immediately before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect when you go in for your sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm and locate a suitable vein.
- A fine needle is inserted into the vein to draw a small amount of blood into a tube or vial.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
- A small bandage or cotton pad may be placed over the site.
- The whole process usually takes less than five minutes.
- The labelled blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your result:
- Skipping the overnight fast or taking biotin supplements before the test
- Certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors, beta-blockers, and glucocorticoids
- Poor kidney function, as kidney disease can raise calcitonin levels
- Smoking, which can elevate calcitonin levels particularly in men
- Rare laboratory interference from heterophilic antibodies
Understanding Your Calcitonin Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other investigations. The table below shows the generally accepted reference ranges for serum calcitonin.
| Parameter | Normal Range (pg/mL) |
|---|---|
| Calcitonin (Males) | less than 25 |
| Calcitonin (Females) | less than 20 |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health states or habits can shift calcitonin levels independently of thyroid disease:
- Pregnancy can raise calcitonin levels because the hormone is produced not only by the thyroid but also by breast tissue, the placenta, and the decidua (uterine lining). An elevated result in pregnancy does not automatically indicate disease.
- Chronic kidney disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, excess gastrin hormone (hypergastrinaemia), and certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and steroids, can also increase calcitonin levels.
- Smoking is associated with higher calcitonin levels in men, though this effect is less pronounced in women.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support thyroid health:
- Attend regular check-ups with your doctor if you have a family history of thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome
- Report any new neck lumps, swallowing difficulties, or voice changes to your doctor without delay
- Support overall thyroid function by ensuring adequate iodine in your diet through foods such as dairy products, fish, and iodised salt
Lupin Diagnostics Calcitonin Test Price and Home Collection
The calcitonin test price in India starts at approximately ₹1200, with home collection available across major cities through Lupin Diagnostics.
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1200 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1200 |
| Chennai | ₹1200 |
| Kolkata | ₹1200 |
| Pune | ₹1200 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the calcitonin test across cities, making it convenient to book without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Digital reports are delivered promptly via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The calcitonin test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). It also helps screen for C-cell hyperplasia and check whether treatment for MTC has been effective. Doctors may order it when a patient has a thyroid nodule or a family history of MTC.
No, fasting is not required before the thyrocalcitonin test. You should also avoid biotin-containing supplements, such as hair and nail vitamins, for at least 8 hours before your sample is collected, as biotin can interfere with the test result.
A raised calcitonin level suggests that the thyroid C cells may be overactive, which can point to C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid cancer. The higher the level, the stronger the association with MTC. That said, other conditions, including kidney disease, certain medicines, and raised gastrin levels, can also elevate calcitonin, so a doctor will investigate further before reaching a conclusion.
Yes, calcitonin levels can be higher during pregnancy. This happens because calcitonin is produced by the placenta, breast tissue, and uterine lining in addition to the thyroid gland. A raised result during pregnancy is often a normal physiological change rather than a sign of disease.
After surgery for MTC, doctors track human calcitonin levels at regular intervals, starting at around three months post-operation. If levels return to normal and remain stable, the test is repeated every 6 to 12 months. Persistently elevated levels after surgery may suggest that some cancer cells remain. Serial measurements over time also help doctors assess how quickly levels are changing, which carries prognostic value.
The hCT test is a routine blood draw and carries very little risk. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted, and minor bruising or slight soreness at the site is possible but typically resolves quickly. Serious complications from a routine blood draw are rare.
Several non-cancerous conditions and factors can raise calcitonin levels, including chronic kidney failure, hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), autoimmune thyroiditis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, certain leukaemic disorders, and neuroendocrine tumours of the lung, breast, or prostate. Certain medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and steroids may also contribute to elevated readings.
Calcitonin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
