Test Description

PTH is formed in the parathyroid glands and secreted into the blood. The biologically active N-terminal fragment has a short half-life of only a few minutes, therefore selective measurement if the intact hormone permits direct ascertainment of the secretory activity of the parathyroid glands. Specimen stability is shortened due to the short half-life of the analyte.

When should this test be ordered?
The secretion of PTH is inhibited by high calcium levels and promoted by low calcium concentration. Hyperfunctioning of the parathyroid gland is usually indicative of adenoma of the parathyroid glands. In secondary hyperparathyroidism, calcium levels are low as a result of other pathophysiological states, such as low Vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D levels can lead to an increase in the PTH value.
High Risk · <= 14 (pg/mL) or >= 66 (pg/mL)
Out of Reference Range.
Borderline Risk · None
Not determined for this test.
Low Risk · 15-65 (pg/mL)
Normal reference range.
Testing Method Used
Electrochemilluminescence Immunoassay.

Sample is stable for 2 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
This test may be assessed with calcium and vitamin D results and may also be used to monitor chronic kidney disease or patients on dialysis. Knowing your calcium and vitamin D levels or other known conditions can help your healthcare practitioner determine that best treatment options for you.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly lipemic or hemolyzed; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Prahalad AK, Hickey RJ, Huang J et al. (June 2006). “Serum proteome profiles identifies parathyroid hormone physiologic response”. Proteomics 6 (12):

2. Jin L, Briggs SL, Chandrasekhar S, Chirgadze NY, Clawson DK, Schevitz RW, Smiley DL, Tashjian AH, Zhang F (September 2000). “Crystal structure of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 at 0.9-A resolution”.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.