What is a parathyroid hormone test?

A parathyroid hormone test measures the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood to check for diseases of the parathyroid glands. Four small glands produce PTH in the neck called the parathyroid glands. These glands help control blood calcium levels by releasing calcium into your blood when levels are too low and withdrawing calcium when levels are too high. This process is mediated through the parathyroid hormones.

What do high parathyroid hormone levels mean?

High parathyroid hormone levels mean the parathyroid glands are overactive, producing too much PTH. Over time, this condition can damage the bones due to imbalances in calcium levels.

What does a parathyroid hormone panel test for?

A parathyroid hormone (PTH) panel test is used to detect a disorder of the parathyroid glands. The panel tests for two specific types of parathyroid disorders: Hyperparathyroidism, or overactive parathyroid glands, which produce too much PTH Hypoparathyroidism, or underactive parathyroid glands, which causes symptoms like fatigue and weakness. If your results are abnormal, your doctor will guide you through further testing and treatment options.

Why is it important to check parathyroid hormone levels?

It is important to check parathyroid hormone levels because possible associated diseases are frequently missed in initial clinical screening, which can cause many patients to have low calcium levels.

Do I need to visit a doctor?

Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.

How do I get my results?

You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.

Does my lab prescription expire?

We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.

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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test

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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Use Diagnosis of parathyroid disease and other diseases of calcium homeostasis; monitoring patients undergoing renal dialysis Additional Information PTH is an 84 amino acid peptide hormone which is responsible for the regulation of serum calcium levels within a narrow range. PTH is secreted in response to decrease in serum calcium levels by increasing the renal reabsorption of calcium and lowering reabsorption of phosphorus. The measurement of PTH is a very useful tool in the differential diagnosis and management of hypercalcemia. PTH assays can be of help in the diagnosis of tumors and hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland, as well as in localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue by assay of samples obtained via venous catheterization. The native or intact (1-84) PTH has a short half-life, measured in minutes, whereas the carboxy and midmolecule fragments, which are biologically inactive, have half-lives 10- to 20-fold higher. The high concentrations of biologically inactive fragments have interfered with use of C-terminal or midmolecule assays for evaluation of parathyroid function in patients with impaired renal function. Intact PTH assays provide a more accurate assessment of parathyroid patients including those with various renal diseases.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact

Patient Instructions

Some tests in this panel may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). Patient should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Includes

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact

Patient Instructions

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R). It is recommended to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of specimen.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

FAQ

What is a parathyroid hormone test?

A parathyroid hormone test measures the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood to check for diseases of the parathyroid glands. Four small glands produce PTH in the neck called the parathyroid glands. These glands help control blood calcium levels by releasing calcium into your blood when levels are too low and withdrawing calcium when levels are too high. This process is mediated through the parathyroid hormones.
What do high parathyroid hormone levels mean?

High parathyroid hormone levels mean the parathyroid glands are overactive, producing too much PTH. Over time, this condition can damage the bones due to imbalances in calcium levels.
What does a parathyroid hormone panel test for?
A parathyroid hormone (PTH) panel test is used to detect a disorder of the parathyroid glands. The panel tests for two specific types of parathyroid disorders:
- Hyperparathyroidism, or overactive parathyroid glands, which produce too much PTH
- Hypoparathyroidism, or underactive parathyroid glands, which causes symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
If your results are abnormal, your doctor will guide you through further testing and treatment options.
Why is it important to check parathyroid hormone levels?

It is important to check parathyroid hormone levels because possible associated diseases are frequently missed in initial clinical screening, which can cause many patients to have low calcium levels.
Do I need to visit a doctor?

Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.
How do I get my results?

You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.
Does my lab prescription expire?

We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.