Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test is done to measure your parathyroid hormone levels. Parathyroid hormone is released by your parathyroid glands, four pea-sized glands in neck to control the level of calcium in your bloodstream. PTH hormone regulates serum calcium levels through its effects on bone, kidney and the intestine. In bone, PTH enhances the release of calcium from the large reservoir contained in bones. Bone resorption is the normal destruction of bone by osteoclasts, which are indirectly stimulated by PTH. Binding stimulates osteoblasts to increase their expression of RANKL and inhibits their secretion of osteoprotegerin (OPG). It also controls vitamin D and phosphorus levels. PTH stimulates the conversion of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D into 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D(by upregulating the activity of 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme), which is released into circulation. This form of Vitamin D is the active hormone which stimulates calcium uptake from the intestine. PTH also reduces the reabsorption of phosphate from the proximal tubule of kidney, and enhances the uptake of phosphate from the intestines and bones into the blood. Therefore, the end result is a small net drop in the serum concentration of phosphate. If your body has too low or high parathyroid hormone, you may experience symptoms related to abnormal blood calcium levels. Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test can help monitor and diagnose disorders of the parathyroid hormone, including hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. It can also be helpful in detecting benign or malignant tumours of parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test Overview

Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test is done to measure your parathyroid hormone levels. Parathyroid hormone is released by your parathyroid glands, four pea-sized glands in neck to control the level of calcium in your bloodstream. PTH hormone regulates serum calcium levels through its effects on bone, kidney and the intestine. In bone, PTH enhances the release of calcium from the large reservoir contained in bones. Bone resorption is the normal destruction of bone by osteoclasts, which are indirectly stimulated by PTH. Binding stimulates osteoblasts to increase their expression of RANKL and inhibits their secretion of osteoprotegerin (OPG). It also controls vitamin D and phosphorus levels. PTH stimulates the conversion of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D into 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D(by upregulating the activity of 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme), which is released into circulation. This form of Vitamin D is the active hormone which stimulates calcium uptake from the intestine. PTH also reduces the reabsorption of phosphate from the

proximal tubule of kidney, and enhances the uptake of phosphate from the intestines and bones into the blood. Therefore, the end result is a small net drop in the serum concentration of phosphate. If your body has too low or high parathyroid hormone, you may experience symptoms related to abnormal blood calcium levels. Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test can help monitor and diagnose disorders of the parathyroid hormone, including hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. It can also be helpful in detecting benign or malignant tumours of parathyroid glands. Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test is also ordered if you have undergone surgery to remove your parathyroid glands to ensure that the remaining glands are functioning properly. This test can also be helpful in monitoring patients who’re being treated for parathyroid disorders to check the efficacy of the treatment. 

Symptoms to check for going for the Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test

You may have to undergo Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test if you’re experiencing certain signs and symptoms. Possible symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia are:

• Depression and tiredness
• Feeling thirsty and peeing a lot
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of concentration
• Constipation
• Tummy pain
• Loss of concentration and mild confusion
• Dehydration
• Muscle spasms
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Pain abdomen
• Joint pains
• Irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure

Possible symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia:

• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Unpleasant tingling sensations around mouth, hands and feet
• Fatigue, headache and bone pains
• Hair loss, brittle nails

If you had previous parathyroid or thyroid surgery, you might be advised to go for this test. Individuals with a family history of parathyroid may also be ordered to undergo this test.

Prerequisite for the Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test

You don’t need to fast before undergoing the Parathyroid Hormone, Intact (iPTH) Test. But if you’re taking any medications, inform your doctor beforehand, as they may interfere with the test results. You should also inform your doctor about any latest surgeries or other medical conditions that may alter the test results.