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Parathyroid Hormone (Active, Intact)

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

This test measures your body’s active form of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a key regulator of calcium levels in your blood.

Quick summary

["Active PTH helps balance calcium, affecting bone health, nerve function, and muscle activity."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47177-1
Short code
PTH-Intact 5m p Excision SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
PTH-Intact 5m 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 This Test Might Be Ordered

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like bone pain, frequent fractures, muscle weakness, or abnormal calcium levels. It’s also used to monitor conditions like hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, or to check for kidney disease or vitamin D deficiency.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, typically during a routine doctor’s visit or lab visit. The process is quick and usually painless.

What the Results Mean

Results help doctors diagnose or monitor conditions affecting calcium metabolism. High levels may indicate overactive parathyroid glands, while low levels could suggest underactive glands or other issues.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often used to diagnose or manage hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), or conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism.

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.

Clinical significance: Elevated or low PTH levels can signal underlying health issues, such as thyroid or kidney disorders, or metabolic imbalances. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications like bone disease or nerve damage.

Short name

PTH (Active)

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal PTH levels?
Abnormal PTH levels can result from thyroid or kidney diseases, certain cancers, or genetic conditions. Lifestyle factors like vitamin D deficiency or medications may also play a role.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
Can diet affect PTH test results?
Dietary calcium intake may influence calcium levels indirectly, but it does not directly affect PTH measurement. Avoiding calcium supplements before testing is recommended if advised by your doctor.
  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