PTH, is a peptide hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands (in the neck, near or behind the thyroid gland). Its function is regulating serum calcium concentration through its effects on bone, kidney and intestine. When blood calcium concentrations rise, parathyroid gland stops releasing PTH.
Interpretation: The PTH test is ordered if blood calcium levels show abnormal levels of calcium, in order to see whether there is a parathyroid gland pathology. As PTH levels are directly related with calcium levels, the sypmtoms will be calcium dependent. If the blood calcium levels are high; increased thirst, frequent urination, mental changes like fatique and confusion, bone pain, muscle twitching, digestive upset, nausea, apetite loss and constipation might be the sypmptoms. If the blood calcium levels are low; muscle cramps, dry skin, brittle fingernails, tingling in the lips, fingers or feet, seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities might be the sypmtoms.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: 6 days 6:00 PM
