Parathyroid Hormone

Measures the hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism.

To assess calcium–phosphorus metabolism and parathyroid function.

1. Check in advance whether the time of day, the day of your menstrual cycle or other timing matters.
2. The PTH sample type, collection time and handling conditions depend on the method. The result is often interpreted together with calcium and vitamin D.
3. Tell your doctor about hormone preparations and dietary supplements; do not change your treatment on your own.
4. Stay calm before the blood draw and keep to the time agreed with you.

There is no single rule. Whether you need to fast, and for how long, depends on the purpose of the test and the laboratory method; check in advance.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Calcium, vitamin D and kidney function
• Sample processing time
• Time of day and method-specific factors

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

Blood is drawn by laboratory staff. The tube, rapid processing and temperature for a PTH sample depend on the method; the laboratory's approved procedure must be followed.

PTH is interpreted alongside calcium, phosphate, vitamin D and kidney function.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

Without calcium, phosphate, vitamin D and kidney function, PTH interpretation is limited.