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Parathyroid Hormone (Active), Intact

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

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

Quick summary

["Your blood calcium levels depend on this hormone, which helps your body use and balance calcium."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
97762-9
Short code
PTH-Intact Fld-sCnc
Synonyms
PTH-Intact Fld-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, or unexplained kidney stones. It’s also used to diagnose or monitor conditions like hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney disease.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch.

What the Results Mean

Results help determine if your PTH levels are too high or too low, which can affect calcium metabolism and bone health. Your doctor will compare these results to your symptoms and other test findings.

Common Conditions Affecting Results

Conditions like kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or certain medications (e.g., lithium) can influence PTH levels. Chronic illnesses or recent surgeries may also impact your results.

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

Short name

Intact PTH

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need this test?
Your doctor will decide how often you need this test based on your health condition, symptoms, and treatment plan. Some people may need it yearly, while others may need it more or less frequently.
What are the typical reference ranges?
Reference ranges can vary by lab and may not be provided directly. Your results will be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
You can eat and drink normally before this test, as it doesn’t require fasting.
  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