Parathyroid Hormone (Active, Intact)
This test measures your intact (fully active) parathyroid hormone level, which helps regulate calcium and bone health in your body.
["Your intact PTH level helps balance calcium and supports bone health by signaling when to release or store calcium."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35219-5
- Short code
- PTH-Intact SerPl-msCnc
- Synonyms
- PTH-Intact SerPl-msCnc
- 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 diagnose or monitor conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or kidney disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your blood is collected early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
How the Test Works
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure your intact PTH concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine whether your hormone levels are too high or too low, which can guide treatment for conditions affecting calcium metabolism or bone health.
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 levels of intact PTH may indicate hyperparathyroidism (excess hormone), while low levels can suggest hypoparathyroidism (deficiency). Abnormal results may also signal kidney disease or other metabolic disorders requiring further evaluation.
Short name
Active PTH
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal PTH levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or supplements affect PTH levels?
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