What is a Parathyroid Hormone Test?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a crucial hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, four small glands in the neck behind the thyroid. This hormone plays a pivotal role in regulating and maintaining the balance of two critical minerals in the body: calcium and phosphate. By influencing the levels of these minerals, PTH indirectly controls the strength and structure of our bones, normal nerve function, and muscle contraction.
A Parathyroid Hormone Test, also known as a PTH test, measures parathyroid hormone levels in an individual's blood. This test is vital in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to the parathyroid glands, such as hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. It can also be used to evaluate calcium levels in the body and detect potential bone disorders.
During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from the individual's arm and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually available within a day or two, and they are expressed in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or nanograms per liter (ng/L) and recorded in a Parathyroid Hormone Test Report.
By monitoring PTH levels, doctors can determine if the parathyroid glands are functioning normally or if there is an imbalance in calcium and phosphate levels. Abnormalities in PTH levels may indicate a potential health issue that requires further investigation and treatment.










