Parathyroid Hormone, Intact

This test measures the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood to establish whether the calcium disturbance in the body is from parathyroid dysfunction or from another cause.

The parathyroid glands are a group of 4 small bodies that secrete the parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid hormone is the principal hormone that is required to maintain the body’s calcium levels and is secreted when the blood calcium levels are low. Conditions that affect the levels of PTH in the blood can lead to hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia, both of which can be dangerous and life threatening. This test measures the amount of PTH in the blood to establish whether the calcium disturbance in the body is from parathyroid dysfunction or from another cause.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Thirst
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle cramps
• Tingling fingers or toes

Also Known As: PTH, Intact; PTH Whole Molecule