PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH) – INTACT – BC149
🦴 Advanced Calcium & Bone Marker
₹1299
MRP ₹1400
Sample Time: 5:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum/EDTA)
Test Code: BC149
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum/EDTA)
Test Code: BC149
About this Test:
The Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) test is the most specific and accurate assay for measuring parathyroid function. Unlike older tests that might detect inactive fragments, this test measures the biologically active "whole" PTH molecule.
✔ The Gold Standard for diagnosing Hyperparathyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism.
✔ Essential for distinguishing between parathyroid causes and non-parathyroid causes of High Calcium.
✔ Critical for monitoring patients on dialysis or with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
✔ Helps identify the cause of recurrent Kidney Stones.
The Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) test is the most specific and accurate assay for measuring parathyroid function. Unlike older tests that might detect inactive fragments, this test measures the biologically active "whole" PTH molecule.
✔ The Gold Standard for diagnosing Hyperparathyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism.
✔ Essential for distinguishing between parathyroid causes and non-parathyroid causes of High Calcium.
✔ Critical for monitoring patients on dialysis or with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
✔ Helps identify the cause of recurrent Kidney Stones.
Why Intact PTH Matters?
PTH is rapidly broken down in the blood into smaller fragments. Some of these fragments are inactive. The Intact PTH (iPTH) test uses advanced antibodies to ensure it is measuring the complete, active hormone molecule. This provides a true reflection of how your parathyroid glands are functioning.
Clinical Interpretation
- High Calcium + High iPTH: This typically indicates Primary Hyperparathyroidism (usually a benign tumor on the gland). The gland is ignoring the high calcium and pumping out hormone anyway.
- Low Calcium + High iPTH: This indicates Secondary Hyperparathyroidism. The glands are working correctly but overtime to compensate for low calcium (often caused by Vitamin D deficiency or Kidney Failure).
- High Calcium + Low iPTH: This suggests the high calcium is caused by something else (like malignancy or excess Vitamin D intake), and the parathyroid glands have correctly shut down.
Sample Timing is Key: PTH levels follow a circadian rhythm (they fluctuate during the day). For the most accurate results, it is highly recommended to collect the sample in the morning (between 7 AM and 10 AM) after an overnight fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between PTH and Intact PTH?
Intact PTH measures the whole, biologically active hormone molecule. Older PTH tests might detect inactive fragments, leading to less accurate results, especially in patients with kidney problems. Intact PTH is the preferred modern test.
Intact PTH measures the whole, biologically active hormone molecule. Older PTH tests might detect inactive fragments, leading to less accurate results, especially in patients with kidney problems. Intact PTH is the preferred modern test.
Q2: Why is this test important for kidney patients?
In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot activate Vitamin D or excrete phosphorus properly. This causes calcium levels to drop, forcing the parathyroid glands to overwork (Secondary Hyperparathyroidism). Monitoring iPTH helps prevent bone disease in kidney patients.
In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the kidneys cannot activate Vitamin D or excrete phosphorus properly. This causes calcium levels to drop, forcing the parathyroid glands to overwork (Secondary Hyperparathyroidism). Monitoring iPTH helps prevent bone disease in kidney patients.
Q3: Do I need to fast?
Yes, an overnight fast (8-10 hours) is recommended. More importantly, the sample should ideally be taken in the morning to avoid variations caused by the body's daily rhythm.
Yes, an overnight fast (8-10 hours) is recommended. More importantly, the sample should ideally be taken in the morning to avoid variations caused by the body's daily rhythm.
Q4: What symptoms suggest I need this test?
Symptoms of calcium imbalance such as bone pain, muscle weakness, kidney stones, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue often warrant an iPTH test.
Symptoms of calcium imbalance such as bone pain, muscle weakness, kidney stones, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue often warrant an iPTH test.
Q5: How fast is the report?
We provide Same Day reporting for samples collected by 5:30 PM, ensuring you and your doctor get timely data for decision-making.
We provide Same Day reporting for samples collected by 5:30 PM, ensuring you and your doctor get timely data for decision-making.