Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PTH Intact, Intact Parathyroid Hormone, Parathormone Test, iPTH |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum or plasma) |
| Fasting Required | Usually not required; some labs recommend 8 to 12 hours of overnight fasting. Confirm with your lab. |
| Report Time | 1 to 2 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; commonly ordered for adults with abnormal calcium levels |
| Price | Starting at ₹480 |
What Is a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test?
The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) test measures the level of PTH in your blood. PTH is a hormone produced by four small glands located behind the thyroid in your neck. These glands regulate the amount of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in your body. Also called the PTH intact test or parathormone test, it is typically ordered when a routine blood test shows abnormal calcium levels.
What Does a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test Measure?
This test measures a single parameter. The table below explains what it is and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Intact PTH (iPTH) | The active form of parathyroid hormone in the blood. It controls calcium levels by acting on bones, kidneys, and the small intestine. |
PTH works through three pathways. It prompts bones to release small amounts of calcium into the bloodstream. It signals the kidneys to retain calcium rather than pass it out in urine. It also encourages the intestine to absorb more calcium from food. Together, these actions keep calcium levels balanced.
Why Is a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test Done?
A doctor may order this test for several reasons, from investigating symptoms to monitoring a known condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often lead a doctor to request a PTH test:
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Increased thirst or unusually frequent urination
- Muscle weakness or muscle twitches
- Bone pain
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several conditions related to calcium and parathyroid function:
- Parathyroid disorders are the cause of abnormal blood calcium levels
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (high PTH with high calcium, often caused by a benign growth on a parathyroid gland)
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism (high PTH with low calcium, where the glands respond correctly, but another problem prevents calcium from rising)
- Hypoparathyroidism (low PTH causing low blood calcium)
- Chronic kidney disease complications affecting calcium balance
- Severe osteoporosis (weakened bones that break more easily than normal)
- Abnormally low phosphate levels in the blood
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), regular PTH test monitoring is an important part of ongoing care. Renal hyperparathyroidism, a rise in PTH caused by disrupted calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D balance, is a common complication of CKD. Clinical guidelines recommend that screening begin for all patients at CKD stage 3 (estimated GFR below 60 mL/min), with monitoring intervals adjusted according to how advanced the disease is.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, though a few details are worth knowing before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
Most people do not need to fast before a PTH test. However, some laboratories recommend overnight fasting of 8 to 12 hours, so check with your lab beforehand. Drinking water is acceptable in either case. PTH is released in a rhythmic pattern throughout the day, with higher levels at night, so your doctor may specify a particular time of day for the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your sample is collected:
- Stop taking biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before the test, as they can interfere with results
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, particularly calcium or vitamin D
- Stay well hydrated on the day of your test
- Follow any specific timing instructions your doctor has given you
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during a standard blood collection for this test:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm, usually near the inside of the elbow.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein to draw a blood sample.
- You may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in or comes out. This is normal.
- A small amount of blood is collected into a tube or vial.
- The whole process takes less than five minutes.
- A small bandage is placed on the site, and the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable your results are:
- High-dose biotin supplements (5 mg or more) can cause falsely high or low readings
- The time of day the sample is taken, since PTH levels vary throughout the day
- Kidney failure, which causes certain PTH fragments to accumulate and interfere with the test
- Medications or supplements that affect calcium or vitamin D levels
Understanding Your Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test Results
Results from a PTH test are most meaningful when read alongside a calcium blood test. Your doctor will look at both values together to reach a conclusion. The table below shows the general reference range.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Intact PTH | 10 to 65 | pg/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Normal PTH alongside normal calcium generally indicates healthy parathyroid function. High PTH with high calcium may point to primary hyperparathyroidism. High PTH with low calcium may suggest secondary hyperparathyroidism, often linked to kidney disease or severe vitamin D deficiency. Low PTH with low calcium may indicate hypoparathyroidism.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results should be read:
- In kidney failure, fragments of PTH accumulate in the blood and can cross-react with the test. Normal population reference ranges do not apply in this setting. For CKD patients, PTH concentrations of 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of the normal range are generally considered acceptable.
- High-dose biotin supplementation can produce falsely high or low PTH readings, which is why stopping these supplements before the test is important.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support healthy parathyroid and calcium balance:
- Maintain adequate vitamin D through sensible sun exposure and a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin D
- Include good dietary sources of calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods
- Stay well hydrated and look after your kidney health with regular physical activity and a low-sodium diet
Lupin Diagnostics Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test Price and Home Collection
The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹480, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices in major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1500 |
| Bangalore | ₹1500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1500 |
| Pune | ₹1500 |
| Nagpur | ₹1500 |
| Chennai | ₹1500 |
| Kolkata | ₹1600 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your PTH test with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the PTH test across multiple cities, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) test is most commonly used to find out whether parathyroid disorders are causing abnormal calcium levels in the blood. It helps identify conditions such as hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands). It is also used to monitor calcium balance in patients with kidney disease.
Most people do not need to fast. However, some laboratories recommend 8 to 12 hours of overnight fasting, so confirm with your lab or doctor before your appointment. Drinking water is generally fine regardless of fasting requirements.
PTH levels respond directly to calcium levels in the blood. Comparing both results together allows your doctor to understand whether your parathyroid glands are working as they should. Neither result is as informative on its own.
Yes. High-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements can interfere with the PTH test, causing falsely high or low readings. Stop biotin supplements at least 72 hours before the test. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you take regularly.
This pattern is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism, where one or more parathyroid glands produce too much PTH. The most common cause is a benign growth called an adenoma on a parathyroid gland. Your doctor will advise on the next steps based on the full clinical picture.
Chronic kidney disease can disrupt the balance of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D, causing parathyroid glands to become overactive. This is known as renal hyperparathyroidism. Clinical guidelines recommend that all patients with CKD stage 3 or above have their PTH levels monitored regularly alongside calcium and phosphate.
Results are typically available within 1 to 2 days. The exact turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the laboratory processing your sample.
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
