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  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
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Explore this test

Test Code 1136

Test Details

Parathyroid Hormone

PTH is a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that is important in bone remodeling. PTH functions as part of a feedback system that involves calcium, phosphorus (as phosphate), and vitamin D.

Methodology

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 2 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

Parathyroid Hormone

  • Low: <15 pg/dL
  • Normal: 15-65 pg/dL
  • High: >65 pg/dL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Parathyroid Hormone

  • Used to help diagnose the cause of a low or high calcium level and to help distinguish between parathyroid-related and non-parathyroid-related causes.
  • A calcium test is almost always ordered along with PTH to determine the balance between calcium and PTH and the response of the parathyroid glands to changing levels of calcium.
  • Most often ordered when calcium regulation is abnormal.
  • High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Parathyroid Hormone

  • Primary hyperparathyroidism – Surgery to remove adenoma or parathyroidectomy
  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism – Treat underlying cause/condition most often kidney disease. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce PTH secretion and/or high calcium levels in blood.
  • Patients with hypoparathyroidism are treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Clinical Significance