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BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

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PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting ( 8-12 hrs). Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)

What is PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)?

The Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) test measures its level in the body. iPTH helps to regulate calcium, Vitamin D, and phosphorus levels in the blood and bones.
It diagnoses the root cause of an abnormal increase or decrease in calcium levels. It helps identify if these are caused by a parathyroid malfunction, or by other organs and lifestyle factors. iPTH test is a great tool to monitor how effective a parathyroid treatment is progressing.
Major cause of a rise in PTH Intact levels is kidney damage, while lower than normal level of iPTH, may indicate hypoparathyroidism (low level of parathyroid hormone) and an overdose of Vitamin D or calcium.

What is PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) used for?

The Intact Parathyroid Hormone Test is performed:

· To determine the cause of abnormal calcium levels

· To help diagnose hyperparathyroidism (excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone) and hypoparathyroidism (low secretion of parathyroid hormone)

· To monitor surgical treatment for hyperparathyroidism (Intraoperative PTH)

Interpreting PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) results

Interpretations

Normal range: 14.00 to 72.00 pg/ml

Reference range may vary in different labs.

Intact Parathyroid Hormone Test is performed together with Blood Calcium Test to determine the cause of calcium deficiency and the results are interpreted as follows:

Calcium	PTH	Interpretation
Normal	Normal	Blood calcium regulation normal
Low	High	Parathyroid gland normal, low Calcium levels are due to other causes
Low	Normal/Low	PTH secretion low, hypoparathyroidism may be indicated
High	High	Hyperparathyroidism may be indicated
High	Low	Parathyroid gland normal, high Calcium levels are due to other causes
Normal	High	Mild hyperparathyroidism

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)

Frequently Asked Questions about PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)

Q. How does Parathyroid hormone affect the levels of Phosphorus in blood?

Apart from calcium, the parathyroid hormone also plays a role in the regulation of phosphate levels in the blood. Parathyroid hormone increases phosphate excretion through urine by reducing its reabsorption in the kidneys. Parathyroid hormone increases phosphate absorption from the intestines but the overall effect of parathyroid hormone leads to a small decrease in the levels of phosphate in the blood.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia is a condition where the blood calcium levels are below the normal range. This may occur due to: · Low levels of blood protein, especially albumin · Hypoparathyroidism or reduced secretion of parathyroid hormones · Genetic resistance to parathyroid hormones · Dietary deficiency of calcium · Intolerance of dietary calcium · Vitamin D deficiency · Magnesium deficiency · High phosphorus concentration in blood · Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas) · Hormonal changes in women after menopause · Renal failure · Alcoholism

Q. What are the symptoms of Hypocalcemia?

Short term or mild deficiency of calcium usually produces very little symptoms. This happens because the body can augment mild calcium deficiency by releasing the calcium stored in bones. Symptoms appear in case of chronic or long term calcium deficiency. Symptoms of Hypocalcemia include: · Weak and brittle hairs · Brittle nails · Thin and brittle bones which fracture easily · Confusion · Memory loss · Numbness and tingling sensation · Muscle spasms and cramps · Depression · Hallucinations · Seizures

Q. What is Hypercalcemia?

Hypercalcemia is the condition where blood calcium levels rise higher than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Hyperparathyroidism or increased secretion of parathyroid hormones · Hyperthyroidism or increased secretion of thyroid hormones · Prolonged period of immobility as in bed rest · Sarcoidosis, a condition that produces nodules in different organs · Tuberculosis · Overconsumption of Vitamin D · Treatment by thiazide diuretics · Kidney transplant · HIV/AIDS · Cancer

Q. What are the symptoms of Hypercalcemia?

Symptoms of Hypercalcemia include: · Headache · Weakness and fatigue · Excessive urination and thirst · Nausea · Pain in abdomen · Constipation · Abnormal heartbeat or cardiac arrhythmia · Weak and brittle bones · Muscular cramps · Depression and irritability · Confusion · Coma

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Intact Parathyroid Hormone test?

A fasting period of 10 hours is advised before the test is performed. Inform the doctor of any medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before the Intact Parathyroid Hormone Test.

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of parathyroid hormone test is not normal?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal Intact Parathyroid Hormone test result are: · Blood Calcium Test · Electrolyte Panel Test · Kidney Function Tests

Q. What factors can affect the Intact Parathyroid Hormone test result?

Factors that can affect the Intact Parathyroid Hormone Test include: · High body fat content · Deficiency of Vitamin D · Burnett’s Syndrome · Certain medications like vitamin supplements containing Vitamins A and D, phosphates, steroids, etc.

Q. What are the common causes of decreased parathyroid hormone levels?

Common causes of hypoparathyroidism include: · Reduced activity of parathyroid glands · Increased hormone secretion from thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) · Deficiency of magnesium · Hypercalcemia unrelated to parathyroid gland

Q. What are the common causes of increased parathyroid hormone levels?

Common causes of hyperparathyroidism include: · Increased activity of parathyroid glands, usually due to parathyroid gland tumors · Improper response of the kidneys to PTH · Deficiency of Vitamin D · Injury to the spinal cord · Hypocalcemia unrelated to parathyroid gland

Q. What is Intraoperative PTH?

Hyperparathyroidism is usually treated by surgically removing the affected parathyroid gland to reduce parathyroid hormone secretions. Enough parathyroid gland tissues are left behind to prevent hypoparathyroidism. The Intraoperative PTH is a test for the intact parathyroid hormone, performed during such a surgery to ensure all of the abnormal parathyroid gland tissues are removed. PTH levels are checked before and after the surgical removal of the abnormal gland tissues. Since PTH has a very short half-life of about 5 to 10 minutes, successful surgical removal of abnormal tissues of the gland causes the PTH levels in the blood to drop by 50% within 5 to 10 minutes. The test is performed and the result is analyzed during the surgery to determine the extent of tissue to be removed.

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