Parathyroid Hormone (Intact)
This test measures the total amount of active parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood, which helps regulate calcium levels in your body.
["Intact PTH helps your bones and kidneys keep calcium balanced, and low levels may signal conditions like hypoparathyroidism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40929-2
- Short code
- PTH-Intact 10m p Excision SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- PTH-Intact 10m p Excision SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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
What Is Intact PTH Used For?
Intact PTH is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting calcium metabolism, such as hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney disease. It can also help assess whether a patient’s calcium levels are being managed properly with treatments like vitamin D or calcium supplements.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order an intact PTH test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, bone pain, or abnormal calcium levels. It’s also used in patients with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, or those with unexplained low calcium (hypocalcemia).
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure the intact PTH levels. Results are typically available within 1–3 business days.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help determine whether your body’s PTH levels are too high or too low, which can guide treatment decisions. While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal results may prompt further testing or adjustments to medications.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High intact PTH levels may indicate hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) or kidney disease, while low levels can signal hypoparathyroidism (underactive glands) or vitamin D deficiency. Monitoring PTH is critical for patients with chronic kidney disease or those on calcium supplements.
Short name
Intact PTH
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need this test?
What are the possible side effects of this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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