Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test
Reviewed
This test measures the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your blood. PTH controls the level of calcium in your blood. Your provider will usually order a calcium blood test along with a PTH test to help understand if your parathyroid glands are working properly.
Preparation and collection
You probably won't need any special preparations, but check with your provider. Some providers may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) before your test. You may also need to take the test at a certain time of day.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- The test alone does not diagnose a condition; results must be interpreted alongside calcium levels, symptoms, medical history, and family history.
- There is very little risk to having a blood test; you may have slight pain or bruising at the needle site, but most symptoms go away quickly.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test