From the Guidelines
Calcitonin globulin level is not a standard medical test, and when doctors measure calcitonin levels in the blood, they are typically testing for the hormone itself, not a calcitonin-globulin complex. There is a hormone called calcitonin, which is produced by C cells in the thyroid gland, but it is not bound to a specific globulin in the bloodstream like some other hormones. Calcitonin testing is most commonly used to diagnose or monitor medullary thyroid cancer, as these cancer cells often produce excessive amounts of calcitonin, as discussed in the context of medullary carcinoma 1. The test may also be used in the evaluation of certain other conditions related to calcium metabolism. Normal calcitonin levels are typically below 10 pg/mL for men and below 5 pg/mL for women, though reference ranges may vary between laboratories. If your healthcare provider has ordered this test, they are likely looking at your calcitonin hormone levels directly, rather than a calcitonin globulin complex.
Some studies have discussed the role of calcitonin in the context of hypercalcemia of malignancy, including lung cancer 1, but this does not relate to the measurement of a calcitonin globulin complex. Instead, these studies focus on the hormone itself and its relationship to conditions like medullary thyroid cancer.
Key points to consider:
- Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland
- Calcitonin testing is used to diagnose or monitor medullary thyroid cancer
- Normal calcitonin levels vary by laboratory but are typically below 10 pg/mL for men and below 5 pg/mL for women
- There is no standard medical test for calcitonin globulin level, as calcitonin is not bound to a specific globulin in the bloodstream.
From the Research
Calcitonin (Calc) Globulin Level
- Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism 2.
- The term "calcitonin globulin" is not directly mentioned in the provided studies, but calcitonin is often measured in the context of calcium homeostasis and hypercalcemia.
- Hypercalcemia, or elevated calcium levels, can be caused by various factors, including primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, and certain medications 2.
- Serum calcium levels are often measured to diagnose and manage hypercalcemia, with ionized calcium being a more sensitive indicator of primary hyperparathyroidism in some cases 3.
Measurement and Correction of Calcium Levels
- Ionized calcium is often measured in critically ill patients, but its correction may not always be necessary or beneficial 4.
- Serum calcium levels are correlated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and both are used to diagnose and manage primary hyperparathyroidism 5, 3.
- Calculated globulin, which is the difference between total protein and albumin, can be used as a screening test for antibody deficiency, but its relationship to calcitonin or calcium levels is not directly mentioned in the provided studies 6.
Clinical Significance of Calcium Levels
- Hypercalcemia can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including fatigue, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and confusion 2.
- The management of hypercalcemia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, with treatment options including hydration, bisphosphonates, and surgery 2.
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common cause of hypercalcemia, and its diagnosis and management involve measuring serum calcium and PTH levels, as well as considering other factors such as kidney and skeletal involvement 2, 5.