Calcitonin blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells, or C cells, of the thyroid gland. It plays a small part in calcium balance by slowing the release of calcium from bone, although in adults its effect is minor compared with parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. It is quite separate from the thyroid hormones T4 and T3.

Calcitonin is best known as a marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare type of thyroid cancer that arises from C cells. Specialists use it to help investigate a thyroid nodule, to follow people after treatment, and in families with inherited conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. It is not a cancer screening test: calcitonin can also be raised by kidney disease, smoking, some medicines, other neuroendocrine conditions and C cell overgrowth, and a normal level does not rule disease out. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have been treated for medullary thyroid cancer and your specialist uses calcitonin for follow-up.
• You have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 and have been advised to monitor calcitonin.
• You have a thyroid nodule and your specialist has asked for a calcitonin level.
• You would like a practitioner to discuss whether calcitonin is relevant to your situation.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your calcitonin with the laboratory reference range, which differs between men and women. Mildly raised levels are relatively common and can be linked to reduced kidney function, smoking, acid-reducing medicines called proton pump inhibitors, or benign changes in the thyroid. Higher levels need specialist assessment, usually including an ultrasound.

Calcitonin is always interpreted alongside a clinical assessment, and if your result is outside the range your practitioner will suggest you discuss it with your GP or specialist. A reading outside the expected range starts a discussion; it is not a diagnosis. If you are considering genetic testing because of family history, this is best discussed with a genetic counsellor or specialist.

Preparing for your test

A fasting morning sample is often preferred for calcitonin, so we will confirm the preparation when you book. Tell us if you smoke, and about medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, and stop biotin or hair, skin and nail supplements for 48 hours before your sample.

For a wider look at thyroid health, our thyroid blood tests measure TSH, T4 and thyroid antibodies, which reflect a different part of the gland. Calcitonin is also included in Omnia Signature. You can view every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a calcitonin blood test in Chiswick?

A calcitonin blood test costs £159 at Omnia. The price includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is calcitonin part of a normal thyroid test?

No. Standard thyroid tests measure TSH and thyroid hormones made by different cells. Calcitonin comes from C cells and is checked for specific reasons.

Can this test screen me for thyroid cancer?

No. Calcitonin can be raised for many reasons and is used by specialists to investigate or monitor specific situations, always alongside a full clinical assessment.

Does smoking affect calcitonin?

Yes. Smoking can cause a mild rise, as can kidney disease and some medicines, which your practitioner will take into account.