Parathyroid Hormone, Intact, Serum or Plasma, Mass Concentration
This test measures the level of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood, which helps your doctor evaluate how well your parathyroid glands and calcium regulation are working.
["Intact PTH measurement is a key tool for assessing parathyroid function and calcium balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50526-3
- Short code
- PTH-Intact sp2 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- PTH-Intact sp2 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?
Parathyroid hormone is made by the parathyroid glands, four small glands in your neck. The "intact" form is the full, active hormone. PTH helps control the amount of calcium in your blood by acting on your bones, kidneys, and intestine.
Why Your Doctor Orders This Test
Your doctor may order an intact PTH test if you have abnormal calcium levels, known or suspected parathyroid disease, kidney disease, or bone disorders such as osteoporosis. It is often done alongside calcium and vitamin D tests.
How the Sample Is Collected
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is collected in a tube and sent to the laboratory, where the level of intact PTH is measured, typically by an immunoassay method.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted together with your calcium level and clinical history. A high or low PTH result can point to problems with the parathyroid glands, kidneys, or bones. Your doctor will explain what your specific result means for you.
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.
Intact PTH is clinically significant because it helps distinguish causes of abnormal calcium levels, such as primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism (often due to kidney disease), and hypoparathyroidism. It is also used to monitor patients with chronic kidney disease and those undergoing parathyroid treatment.
Short name
Intact PTH
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before an intact PTH test?
Can medications affect my PTH result?
Is this the same as a calcium 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