Parathyroid Hormone

Parathormone, PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) Test

Results

A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test measures the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. The test is used to help identify hyperparathyroidism or to find the cause of abnormal calcium levels.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in 1 to 2 days.

Parathyroid hormone

Normal:	10–65 ng/L or 10–65 pg/mL

High values

High PTH levels may be caused by:

• A parathyroid gland growth (hyperplasia) or a parathyroid tumour.
• A low level of calcium in the blood. A low blood calcium level can be caused by kidney disease, kidney failure, severe vitamin D deficiency, or an inability of the intestines to absorb calcium from food.
• Some types of cancer, such as of the lung, kidney, pancreatic, or ovarian cancer.

Low values

Low PTH levels may be caused by:

• Damage to the parathyroid gland, which can by caused by neck surgery or radiation treatments.
• A rare disease, such as sarcoidosis or histiocytosis X.
• An overdose of vitamin D or calcium.
• Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma.
• A low magnesium level.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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