List of dynamic tests
Purpose
Stimulation of thyroid follicular cells to screen for cancer of the medullary thyroid. Pentagastrin only induces calcitonin in tumour-derived secretions and hyperplastic follicular cells.
Product
Pentagastrin (Peptavlon®, 500µg / 2ml vial).
Dose
0.5 µg Peptavlon®/kg body weight, to be diluted in 5 ml normal saline immediately before administration.
Protocol
- Samples (dry tubes) at time intervals: -5 min (T-5) and 0 (T0).
- Slow IV injection (over exactly 3 minutes).
- Samples (dry tubes) taken either according to the doctor’s instructions or T+3, T+5 and T+10 min after the beginning of injection.
Samples
After centrifugation of the samples, draw off the serum and freeze at –20°C.
Assay
Calcitonin.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: cramp, nausea, vomiting.
- Cardiovascular symptoms: tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, hot flushes.
- Dizziness, faintness, sleepiness, headaches, impaired visual function, sweating.
- Allergic reaction.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Coronary heart disease.
- Allergy.
- Severe asthma.
- Recent digestive tract bleeding problems.