PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) Intact

What Does the PTH Test Measure?

The PTH test evaluates several important aspects of your body's calcium regulation system:

• Measures the exact amount of parathyroid hormone produced by your four tiny parathyroid glands
• Determines if your parathyroid glands are overactive (hyperparathyroidism) or underactive (hypoparathyroidism)
• Assesses how well your body regulates calcium and phosphorus levels
• Evaluates bone health and metabolism
• Monitors parathyroid gland function after surgery
• Helps diagnose chronic kidney disease-related bone disorders

PTH Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a PTH Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms that suggest a calcium imbalance in your body:

• Bone pain, joint aches, or bones that break easily
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Muscle cramps, spasms, or tingling in hands and feet
• Depression, confusion, or memory problems
• Kidney stones
• Irregular heartbeat

Who Should Get a PTH Test?

Several groups of people may benefit from PTH testing:

• Patients showing symptoms of high or low calcium levels
• Individuals with abnormal calcium or phosphorus results in routine blood tests
• People with chronic kidney disease
• Patients who have had parathyroid or thyroid surgery
• Those being monitored for bone disorders like osteoporosis
• Individuals with a family history of parathyroid problems

Why Is a PTH Test Done?

A PTH test helps doctors determine if abnormal calcium levels are caused by parathyroid gland problems, guiding accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans.

Importance of a PTH Test

The PTH test plays a crucial role in diagnosing calcium-related health conditions because parathyroid hormone and calcium work together in a delicate balance. When your body's calcium levels drop, PTH should increase to restore normal levels. When calcium is high, PTH should decrease accordingly.

This test helps doctors distinguish between different causes of calcium imbalance, whether they stem from parathyroid gland dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, or other conditions. Early detection through PTH testing enables timely treatment, preventing serious health risks and complications like severe bone loss, kidney stones, heart rhythm problems, and other health issues related to calcium imbalance.

PTH Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a PTH Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select the 'PTH Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the PTH Test Available Near You?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for the PTH test through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood collection. This service eliminates the need to travel to a pathology lab, making testing comfortable and accessible. With our extensive network covering multiple locations, you can rely on accurate results and professional service from the comfort of your home.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PTH Test Report?

Reports are usually available 6 hours after the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get PTH Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting PTH Test Results

What Your PTH Test Results May Indicate

The table below shows how PTH results are interpreted to understand your parathyroid gland function:

Conditions that May Affect PTH Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your PTH test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• High-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg per day) can interfere with test results and should be avoided for at least 8 hours before testing.
• Certain medications like phosphates, anticonvulsants, steroids, isoniazid, lithium, and rifampin may increase PTH levels.
• Natural daily fluctuations occur with PTH levels peaking in the early morning and having a second lower peak in the afternoon.
• Seasonal variations can affect PTH levels.
• Kidney disease may impact PTH metabolism and clearance.
• Dehydration can affect blood concentration and test accuracy.

How Is a PTH Test Done?

The PTH test follows a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
• An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect 2-3 ml of blood.
• The blood sample is collected in either an EDTA or gel vacutainer.
• The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• The entire process takes just a few minutes with minimal discomfort.

How Should You Prepare for a PTH Test?

PTH test preparation requires minimal steps to ensure accurate results:

• Avoid high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg daily) for at least 8 hours before your test.
• Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you're taking.
• Stay well-hydrated before your test unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Follow timing instructions, as PTH levels vary throughout the day, and morning collection is often preferred.
• Bring your clinical history, as your doctor may need background information for proper interpretation.

Diseases that a PTH Test Can Help Detect

The PTH test assists in diagnosing several important health conditions:

• Primary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands)
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism (often due to kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency)
• Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (advanced kidney disease complications)
• Hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands)
• Chronic kidney disease with bone complications
• Osteoporosis and other bone metabolism disorders
• Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) of various causes
• Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium) and its underlying causes

PTH Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are related tests available at Metropolis Healthcare that complement PTH testing for comprehensive calcium metabolism assessment:

PTH Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of a PTH test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.

Reference:
Wallach’s interpretation of diagnostic tests, Ed11, 2020
Tietz fundamentals of clinical chemistry 6th edition. Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, Bruns DE, 2008