Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium Pentagastrin Test

A diagnostic test measuring calcitonin levels after stimulation to help detect Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). Essential for assessing patients at risk.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Requires multiple timed serum samples collected in Red Top tubes (No Additive). Specific volumes and timing are crucial. Do not use SST tubes. Samples must be clearly marked with collection time and shipped frozen.
Results: Same-day reporting is available for samples collected on Mondays and Thursdays before 4 PM. Confirm current turnaround times with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Patients should be fasting overnight before the baseline sample is drawn. Follow specific instructions provided by the laboratory regarding medication adjustments, if any. Confirm preparation details with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 29,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium Pentagastrin Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

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Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

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Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

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Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Suspicion of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
✓Family history of MTC
✓Monitoring patients with known MTC
✓Evaluation of elevated baseline calcitonin levels
✓Presence of symptoms like neck swelling or difficulty swallowing

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps in the diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) by measuring the body's calcitonin response to stimulation. It is used to assess individuals suspected of having MTC, particularly those with a family history or specific symptoms.

The Calcitonin Stimulation by Calcium Pentagastrin Test is a diagnostic tool used primarily to detect Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), a specific type of thyroid cancer. This test measures the amount of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, released into the bloodstream after the administration of Calcium Gluconate and Pentagastrin. Elevated calcitonin levels can be an indicator of MTC, aiding healthcare providers in the diagnosis and management of this condition. This test is particularly important for individuals with a family history of MTC or those showing symptoms suggestive of thyroid issues. Early detection through this test can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

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PreparationPatients should be fasting overnight before the baseline sample is drawn. Follow specific instructions provided by the laboratory regarding medication adjustments, if any. Confirm preparation details with the laboratory before booking.

SampleRequires multiple timed serum samples collected in Red Top tubes (No Additive). Specific volumes and timing are crucial. Do not use SST tubes. Samples must be clearly marked with collection time and shipped frozen.

MethodologyThe test involves measuring serum calcitonin levels at specific time points after intravenous administration of Calcium Gluconate and Pentagastrin. Confirm specific methodology details with the laboratory before booking.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

The test results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings. False positives or negatives can occur. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

MTC is a rare type of thyroid cancer that originates from the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland, which produce calcitonin.

This test helps detect MTC, especially in its early stages, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. It is crucial for individuals at risk.

The test requires blood samples to be drawn at specific intervals after receiving intravenous injections of Calcium Gluconate and Pentagastrin. Fasting is required beforehand.

Elevated calcitonin levels after stimulation may indicate MTC. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your overall health and medical history.

Yes, patients are required to fast overnight before the baseline blood sample is collected.

Results are typically available on the same day for samples collected on Mondays and Thursdays before 4 PM, but confirm current turnaround times with the laboratory.

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

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Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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