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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (e.g., serum) to determine the presence of calcitonin, an amino acid peptide secreted by the parafollicular or C cells of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin secretion is primarily regulated by the level of ionized calcium in plasma; calcitonin lowers plasma calcium. Elevated calcitonin levels are found in patients with hypercalcemia, pulmonary diseases, and thyroidal and nonthyroidal carcinomas.
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