Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required (stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours before collection)
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days (may take longer due to weather, holidays, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood. PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands, four small glands located in your neck, and it plays a key role in regulating calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in your blood and bones.
This test reports a single, directly measured biomarker, PTH Intact. It does not include a calcium measurement or any additional analytes. The result reflects the concentration of intact PTH present in your blood sample at the time of collection.
Benefits
- Measures intact PTH levels directly from a blood sample
- Requires no fasting before collection
- Supports evaluation of parathyroid gland function
- Helps assess potential causes of abnormal calcium or phosphorus levels
- Can support monitoring during treatment for certain conditions
- Provides results typically within 1-2 business days
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing symptoms that may relate to parathyroid gland function
- Individuals with a healthcare provider recommending PTH evaluation
- People being monitored for kidney disease affecting mineral balance
- Individuals undergoing treatment for hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism
- People confirming outcomes after parathyroid gland surgery
- Individuals with unexplained bone or muscle related symptoms
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures intact PTH, the active form of parathyroid hormone, in the blood. It may help a healthcare provider evaluate parathyroid gland function, including when assessing abnormal calcium or phosphorus levels, monitoring certain parathyroid or kidney conditions, or confirming outcomes after parathyroid gland surgery. This test alone does not diagnose a condition.
2. When might I consider ordering this test?
You may consider this test if you have symptoms that could relate to parathyroid function, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, or changes in thirst or urination. It may also be useful when monitoring kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, osteoporosis, or conditions affecting calcium or phosphorus balance.
3. What does this test measure?
This test directly measures the concentration of intact PTH in a blood sample. It reports one biomarker, PTH Intact, and does not include a calcium measurement. The result reflects PTH levels when the blood was drawn, not a calculated ratio, index, or timed collection.
4. Do I need to fast or prepare before this test?
No fasting is required. Stop consuming biotin at least 72 hours before your blood collection, as biotin can interfere with test results.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 1–2 business days. Weather, holidays, or laboratory delays may extend this timeframe.
6. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your PTH result depends on your health history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory values, such as calcium or kidney function tests, when available. An abnormal PTH result does not automatically confirm a specific condition, and a normal result does not rule one out.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my result is outside the expected range?
Review your result with a qualified healthcare provider. They can determine what it means in the context of your health history and whether further evaluation or testing is appropriate. Do not start, stop, or change medication without professional guidance.
8. How often should I get tested?
There is no universal testing schedule. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance based on your individual health situation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. You should stop consuming biotin at least 72 hours prior to your blood collection, as biotin may interfere with accurate results.
