Parathyroid Hormone
Private Parathyroid Hormone testing in London for £138, measuring one calcium-regulating hormone with results expected in around 1 day.
Turnaround time
1 business day
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Parathyroid Hormone Test
The Parathyroid Hormone blood test measures PTH, a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that plays a central role in maintaining Calcium and Phosphate balance.
The test assesses 1 endocrine biomarker: Parathyroid Hormone.
Most people have four small parathyroid glands located close to the thyroid gland.
Despite their name and location, the parathyroid glands have a different function from the thyroid.
Their principal role is regulation of Calcium.
When blood Calcium falls, PTH secretion normally increases.
PTH raises blood Calcium through coordinated effects on bone, the kidneys and Vitamin D metabolism.
It also promotes renal Phosphate excretion.
For this reason, PTH should almost never be interpreted without a simultaneous Calcium result, ideally Adjusted Calcium or Ionised Calcium where appropriate.
Vitamin D and kidney function are also important.
A raised PTH together with persistently high Calcium can support investigation of primary hyperparathyroidism.
A raised PTH with low or normal Calcium can occur as a compensatory response to Vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, low Calcium intake or malabsorption.
This is often described as secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Low or inappropriately normal PTH in the presence of low Calcium can raise concern about hypoparathyroidism.
The relationship between PTH and Calcium is therefore often more informative than either measurement alone.
Phosphate, Magnesium, Creatinine, eGFR and 25-hydroxyvitamin D can provide additional context.
What Does the Parathyroid Hormone Test Check?
The test measures Parathyroid Hormone involved in regulation of Calcium, Phosphate and Vitamin D metabolism. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Parathyroid Hormone
Measures PTH produced by the parathyroid glands, supporting investigation of abnormal Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D and bone-mineral metabolism.
Who May Benefit From the Parathyroid Hormone Test?
PTH testing can be useful when Calcium or bone-mineral metabolism is abnormal or parathyroid disease is suspected.
People with persistently high Calcium - PTH helps determine whether the parathyroid glands may be contributing.
People with unexplained low Calcium - PTH should normally increase when Calcium falls.
People with recurrent kidney stones and abnormal Calcium - Hyperparathyroidism can increase urinary Calcium and stone risk.
People with osteoporosis or low bone density and possible endocrine causes - Excess PTH can affect bone turnover.
People with Vitamin D deficiency and elevated PTH - Secondary hyperparathyroidism can develop when Vitamin D is significantly low.
People with chronic kidney disease - Reduced kidney function can substantially alter PTH, Calcium and Phosphate regulation.
People with previous neck or thyroid surgery - Parathyroid function can occasionally be affected.
People with a previous abnormal PTH result - Repeat measurement with Calcium can clarify whether the pattern persists.
How to Prepare
The specialist laboratory requires a dedicated EDTA sample and same-day transport for optimal PTH processing.
Do not stop medically necessary Calcium, Vitamin D or other treatment without clinical advice.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Parathyroid Hormone Test
Parathyroid disorders can be asymptomatic or produce symptoms related primarily to abnormal Calcium.
Repeatedly raised Calcium - This is one of the commonest reasons to measure PTH.
Kidney stones - Increased Calcium handling can contribute to stone formation.
Bone pain or reduced bone density - Excess PTH can increase skeletal turnover.
Muscle weakness - Significant Calcium abnormalities can affect muscle function.
Increased thirst or urination with high Calcium - Hypercalcaemia can cause renal symptoms.
Tingling or muscle spasms with low Calcium - Hypocalcaemia can increase neuromuscular excitability.
Chronic kidney disease with abnormal mineral results - PTH can rise as part of CKD-related mineral and bone disorder.
Marked Hypercalcaemia, severe dehydration, confusion, cardiac symptoms or significant symptomatic Hypocalcaemia require prompt medical assessment.
PTH should be interpreted with Calcium rather than as an isolated hormone result.
How to Book Your Parathyroid Hormone Test
The Parathyroid Hormone test can be booked privately for assessment of parathyroid and mineral metabolism.
Choose the Parathyroid Hormone
Select the individual PTH blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional collection pathway able to meet the specimen-handling requirements.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required EDTA blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample undergoes measurement of Parathyroid Hormone.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D and kidney function.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current specialist laboratory turnaround for Parathyroid Hormone is approximately 1 day after laboratory receipt.
The specimen requires same-day transport and dedicated EDTA collection.
Laboratory quality-control procedures and result authorisation are completed before release.
Understanding Your Results
PTH should be interpreted in relation to the Calcium result.
A raised PTH with raised Calcium can support investigation of primary hyperparathyroidism when the pattern is persistent and alternative explanations have been considered.
A raised PTH with low or normal Calcium can occur with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Common causes include Vitamin D deficiency and chronic kidney disease.
A low PTH with high Calcium suggests the Hypercalcaemia is not being driven appropriately by the parathyroid glands and another cause may need investigation.
A low or inappropriately normal PTH with low Calcium can occur with hypoparathyroidism.
Phosphate, Magnesium, Vitamin D and kidney function can substantially change the interpretation.
One isolated result should therefore not be used to diagnose a parathyroid disorder.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private PTH testing for parathyroid, Calcium and bone-mineral assessment.
Measures the principal parathyroid hormone - PTH controls key aspects of Calcium and Phosphate regulation.
Useful when Calcium is abnormal - The PTH-Calcium relationship helps identify the likely mechanism.
Relevant to kidney stones - Parathyroid disease can contribute to Calcium stone formation.
Relevant to bone health - Persistent PTH excess can increase bone turnover.
Important in chronic kidney disease - Secondary hyperparathyroidism is common as kidney function declines.
Can complement Vitamin D testing - Significant Vitamin D deficiency can raise PTH.
Rapid specialist turnaround - Results are expected approximately 1 day after laboratory receipt.
Clear pricing - The Parathyroid Hormone test costs £138.
Private Parathyroid Hormone Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Parathyroid Hormone testing for people requiring assessment of Calcium and mineral metabolism.
The test costs £138 and measures 1 endocrine biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 1 day after laboratory receipt.
The result should normally be interpreted alongside Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D and kidney function.