The PTH test determines the level of parathyroid hormonal agent in the blood. This test also known as Parathormone; Parathormone (PTH) intact molecule; Intact PTH.
PTH means parathyroid hormonal agent. It is a protein hormone launched by the parathyroid gland.
A lab test can be done to measure the amount of PTH in your blood.
About Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Blood Test
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is required.
How to Prepare for the Test
Ask your healthcare service provider if you should stop eating or consuming for some period of time before the test. Most often, you will not need to fast or stop drinking.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some individuals feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there might be some throbbing or small bruising. This soon goes away.
Why PTH Test is Performed
Parathyroid hormonal agent (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands. The 4 small parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or connected to the back side of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones fulfill in the middle.
PTH controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood. It is necessary for regulating bone growth. Your service provider may purchase this test if:
- You have a high calcium level or low phosphorus level in your blood.
- You have severe osteoporosis that can not be discussed or does not respond to treatment.
- You have kidney disease
To help comprehend whether your PTH is normal, your company will measure your blood calcium at the very same time.
Normal Level of PTH Blood Test
Normal values are 10 to 55 pg/mL.
Normal worth varieties may differ slightly among various labs. Some laboratories use different measurements or test various specimens. Talk to your provider about the significance of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results of Parathyroid Hormone Test Mean
A higher-than-normal level may occur with:
- Conditions that increase phosphate or phosphorous levels in the blood, such as chronic kidney disease
- Failure of the body to react to PTH (pseudohypoparathyroidism).
- Absence of calcium, which might be due to not eating enough calcium, not absorbing calcium in the gut, or losing excessive calcium in your urine.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (unusual).
- Swelling in the parathyroid glands, called main hyperparathyroidism.
- Growths in the parathyroid gland, called adenomas.
- Vitamin D conditions, consisting of insufficient sunlight in older adults and problems taking in, breaking down, and using vitamin D in the body.
A lower-than-normal level may occur with:
- Accidental elimination of parathyroid glands during neck surgery.
- Autoimmune damage of the parathyroid gland.
- Cancers that start in another part of the body (such as the breast, lungs, or colon) and infected the bone.
- Excess calcium over an extended period of time generally from excess calcium supplements or particular antacids, that contain calcium carbonate or salt bicarbonate (baking soda).
- Parathyroid glands do not produce sufficient PTH (hypoparathyroidism).
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood.
- Radiation to the parathyroid glands.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Excess vitamin D consumption.
Other conditions for which the test might be ordered include:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) I.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II.
Dangers During PTH Test
Veins and arteries differ in size from a single person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some individuals may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks connected with having blood drawn are small, but might consist of:
- Extreme bleeding.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
- Hematoma (blood building up under the skin).
- Infection (a small risk whenever the skin is broken).
