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Parathyroid Hormone (Active, Intact)

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

This test measures your active form of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a key hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in your body. It’s important for maintaining strong bones and proper nerve and muscle function.

Quick summary

["PTH helps balance calcium and phosphorus to keep your body functioning normally."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47176-3
Short code
PTH-Intact 10m p Excision SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
PTH-Intact 10m p Excision SerPl-sCnc
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to check for conditions affecting calcium metabolism, such as hypoparathyroidism (low PTH), hyperparathyroidism (high PTH), or kidney disease. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like osteoporosis, kidney stones, or vitamin D deficiency.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually causes only mild discomfort. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can help make it more comfortable.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will clean your arm with an antiseptic, insert a needle into a vein, and collect a small amount of blood. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you can usually return to your normal activities afterward.

What Are the Possible Results?

Results are reported in units of picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your overall health and symptoms. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions affecting calcium balance.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

PTH (Active)

Frequently asked questions

What does an abnormal result mean?
An abnormal result means your PTH levels may not be functioning as expected. This could be due to an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid or kidney issues, or even certain medications. Your doctor will discuss your results with you and may recommend further testing or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Will I need to do anything special after the test?
You can resume your normal activities right after the blood draw. There’s usually no downtime, but if you experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site, apply a cold compress and monitor it. If you develop signs of infection (like redness, fever, or pus), contact your doctor.
How often will I need this test?
The frequency depends on your health condition. If you have a chronic condition like kidney disease or osteoporosis, your doctor may order this test every few months or annually. If you’re healthy, it might not be routine unless you have symptoms or risk factors for PTH-related issues.
  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