PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone)
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 |