Description
The PTH Intact Blood Test measures the level of intact parathyroid hormone in your blood. This is the biologically active form of PTH—a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that plays a central role in regulating your body’s calcium and phosphorus levels.
This test is essential for evaluating parathyroid gland function, identifying the cause of high or low calcium levels, and helping diagnose or monitor conditions affecting the bones, kidneys, and vitamin D metabolism.
What the PTH Intact Test Measures
- Intact Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):
- PTH helps maintain calcium balance in the blood by influencing bone resorption, kidney reabsorption, and vitamin D activation. Measuring the intact form ensures an accurate assessment of how much active hormone is being produced by the parathyroid glands.
Why This Test Is Important
This test may be recommended if you have:
- High or low calcium levels
- Symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, numbness or tingling, or muscle cramps
- Bone thinning or fractures (osteoporosis or osteopenia)
- Chronic kidney disease or are on dialysis
- Suspected or known parathyroid gland disorders
- A history of thyroid or parathyroid surgery
Common Conditions Associated with PTH Testing
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism – Excess PTH production, usually from a benign tumor, leading to elevated calcium
- Secondary Hyperparathyroidism – Often due to chronic kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency
- Hypoparathyroidism – Low PTH, typically resulting in low calcium
- Calcium and phosphate metabolism disorders
Test Details
- Sample Type: Blood draw
- Fasting Required: No
