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Parathyroid Hormone (Intact) - Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), a protein produced by your parathyroid glands that helps regulate calcium levels in your blood.

Quick summary

["Intact PTH helps maintain healthy calcium and bone metabolism."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47888-3
Short code
GH 1.75h p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
GH 1.75h p Arg+Ins SerPl-aCnc
Category
hormone
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like bone pain, frequent fractures, or unexplained muscle weakness, or if they suspect conditions like hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney disease that affect calcium balance.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may eat and drink normally before your blood draw. Your provider will explain how to prepare if you’re taking certain medications or have specific health conditions.

How the Test Works

A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure intact PTH levels.

What the Results Mean

Results help determine whether your calcium levels are balanced or if there’s an issue with your parathyroid glands. Abnormal results may guide treatment for conditions like low or high calcium.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Intact PTH

Frequently asked questions

What Does a Low Intact PTH Level Mean?
A low intact PTH level may indicate hypoparathyroidism, where your parathyroid glands don’t produce enough hormone, leading to low calcium. This can cause muscle spasms, numbness, or irregular heart rhythms.
What Does a High Intact PTH Level Mean?
A high intact PTH level often suggests hyperparathyroidism, where your glands produce too much hormone, potentially causing bone weakness, kidney stones, or high calcium levels that may affect other organs.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Your provider will decide how often to repeat this test based on your symptoms, medical history, and test results. Regular monitoring may be needed if you have chronic conditions like kidney disease or thyroid disorders.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy