Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venipuncture)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Monitor bone health — Early detection of parathyroid disorders prevents osteoporosis complications
- No doctor visit needed — Order confidentially online with secure result delivery
- Quick results — Get answers in 1-2 days to guide health decisions
- Comprehensive insight — Assess parathyroid function accurately
- Treatment monitoring — Track progress for kidney disease and parathyroid conditions
- Prevent complications — Reduce fracture risk by up to 30% with early detection
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing bone pain, muscle weakness, or frequent urination
- People with family history of osteoporosis or parathyroid disorders
- Those monitoring kidney disease or parathyroid treatment progress
- Patients who've had neck surgery affecting parathyroid glands
- Anyone with unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, or digestive issues
- Postmenopausal women at higher risk for hyperparathyroidism
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Just place your order; choose your preferred lab location
- Visit lab — Quick blood draw via venipuncture at your convenience
- Get results — Secure online delivery within 1-2 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? The biologically active intact PTH hormone that regulates calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting required, but stop biotin supplements 72 hours before your test.
What's the difference between this and PTH with calcium? This focuses solely on PTH levels without simultaneous calcium measurement for targeted assessment.
How accurate is this test? High sensitivity and specificity make intact PTH assays the gold standard for parathyroid diagnosis.
Can medications affect results? Yes, inform the lab about medications affecting calcium or PTH levels before testing.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation and potential follow-up testing recommendations.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to evaluate parathyroid gland function and calcium metabolism. PTH is an 84-amino-acid hormone that regulates calcium release from bones, absorption in intestines, and retention by kidneys (Cleveland Clinic 2025). The test helps diagnose hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and osteoporosis while monitoring treatment effectiveness for these conditions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with symptoms of abnormal calcium levels benefit most from PTH testing. This includes people experiencing bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent urination, or mental changes like fatigue. Those with kidney disease, suspected parathyroid disorders, or monitoring post-surgical outcomes also benefit (Labcorp 2025). Postmenopausal women face higher risk, as hyperparathyroidism affects approximately 1 in 500 adults with increased prevalence in this group.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent urination, or digestive upset. Consider testing if you have unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, or mental changes. It's also valuable for monitoring known parathyroid conditions, kidney disease treatment, or confirming successful parathyroid surgery outcomes (Quest Diagnostics 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
15–65 pg/mL (Normal)
- What it means: Healthy parathyroid function
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
>65 pg/mL with high calcium
- What it means: Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Typical action: Specialist referral needed
>65 pg/mL with low/normal calcium
- What it means: Secondary hyperparathyroidism
- Typical action: Evaluate kidney function
<15 pg/mL with low calcium
- What it means: Hypoparathyroidism
- Typical action: Calcium/vitamin D assessment
Up to 75% of hypoparathyroidism cases result from accidental parathyroid damage during neck surgery.
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.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. However, discontinue biotin supplements at least 72 hours before collection to avoid interference with results. Inform the lab about any medications or conditions affecting calcium or PTH levels. The blood sample is collected via venipuncture at your chosen lab location (MedlinePlus 2023).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, then as needed
- Monitoring hyperparathyroidism: Every 3–6 months
- Post-surgical follow-up: 1–3 months initially
- Kidney disease monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- Stable condition: Annually or as directed
Why early detection matters
Early detection of parathyroid disorders reduces osteoporosis-related fractures by up to 30%, significantly lowering healthcare costs and improving quality of life (NIH 2024). Untreated hyperparathyroidism can lead to severe bone loss, kidney stones, and cardiac complications. Prompt diagnosis enables timely intervention, preventing these serious complications and maintaining optimal bone and mineral health.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — Includes calcium levels to complement PTH interpretation
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy — Evaluates vitamin D status affecting calcium absorption
Phosphorus Blood Test — Helps differentiate causes of abnormal calcium and PTH levels
