PTH Test (Parathyroid Hormone)

PTH Test: quick answers

PTH Test full form

Parathyroid Hormone

PTH Test price

₹2,049, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

Intact PTH, adults: about 15–65 pg/mL

Done for

High or low blood calcium found on a routine test; Suspected primary hyperparathyroidism; Low vitamin D or suspected osteomalacia

Fasting

Not required

Report

3–5 days

What is the PTH Test?

The PTH test measures parathyroid hormone, which the four small parathyroid glands in the neck release to keep blood calcium steady. It is ordered when calcium or vitamin D is abnormal, to tell whether the parathyroid glands are overactive, underactive or reacting to another problem.

PTH Test normal range

Reference ranges differ between assays, and PTH is usually read together with the calcium, phosphate and vitamin D from the same time. In advanced kidney disease the target is different from the usual range. The range on your own report governs.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your PTH Test result means

High PTH with high calcium

Fits primary hyperparathyroidism, usually from an overactive parathyroid gland. A doctor confirms it with further tests.

High PTH with low or normal calcium

Often a response to low vitamin D, low calcium intake or kidney disease (secondary hyperparathyroidism). Correcting the cause usually brings PTH down.

Low PTH with low calcium

Suggests hypoparathyroidism, most often after neck surgery, and sometimes from autoimmune or inherited causes.

In kidney disease on dialysis

KDIGO 2017 suggests keeping PTH in roughly 2 to 9 times the upper limit of the assay's normal range. For earlier stages of kidney disease, the best target is not defined and trends over time guide treatment.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the PTH Test done?

• High or low blood calcium found on a routine test
• Suspected primary hyperparathyroidism
• Low vitamin D or suspected osteomalacia
• Chronic kidney disease, to monitor mineral and bone disorder
• Kidney stones or unexplained bone loss
• Checking parathyroid function after neck or thyroid surgery

What does the PTH Test (Parathyroid Hormone) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

PTH Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• You do not need to fast for this blood test. A morning sample is preferred, as PTH levels vary through the day.

Want a more complete checkup?

Related tests

Explore related tests and guides

Frequently asked questions