Calcitonin

Label Mnemonic:	CALC
Epic code:	LAB519
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593

Specimen(s):

Plasma

Specimen Instructions:

Collect in Full PST top tube. Dedicated tube is required.

Collection Medium:

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Alternate Collection Media:

Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum: 2.0 mL plasma
Absolute Minimum: 1.0 mL plasma

Rejection Criteria:

Tissue or urine. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens.

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.

Turn Around Time:

1-2 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Reference Range:

Male 3 years and older: 0.0 - 7.5 pg/mL
Female 3 years and older: 0.0 - 5.1 pg/mL

Interpretive Data:

Calcitonin levels greater than 100 pg/mL may occur in the following conditions: medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC), leukemias, and myeloproliferative disorders.

Provocative testing (calcium) is suggested in patients with MTC if the calcitonin is not clearly diagnostic.

The Siemens Immulite 2000 method is used. Results obtained with different assay methods or kits cannot be used interchangeably. Calcitonin is useful in monitoring medullary thyroid carcinoma. The calcitonin assay value, regardless of level, should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease.

Methodology:

Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

CPT Code:

82308

See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery