This test determines the level of of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. pth is also called Parathormone and is created by your parathyroid glands. These are four glands the size of a pea in the neck. the PTH keeps the amount of calcium in the blood under control. Calcium is the mineral that keeps bones and teeth awake and strong. It is also important for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function.
If the calcium content of your blood is very low, you may have parathyroid glands in your blood. This ensures that your calcium levels will rise. If the calcium content of your blood is very high, these glands stop PTH from occurring.
Very high or very low PTH levels can cause immense well-being problems.
Other names: parathormone, intact Pth.
What is it used for?
The PTH test is usually used in conjunction with a calcium test.
- To diagnose hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which you have parathyroid a lot of glands. parathyroid hormone
- Diagnosing hypoarathyroidism, a condition in which you parathyroid Little or no gear is produced. parathyroid hormone
- Find out if abnormal calcium levels are triggered by kidney problems. parathyroid glands
- Check for kidney problems.
Why is a PTH test needed?
A PTH test may be needed if previous calcium test results are not normal. The test is also needed if there are signs of very high or very low amounts of calcium in the blood.
Symptoms of very high calcium include
- Bones that just break
- Peeing more often
- Increased thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Kidney stones
Symptoms of too little calcium include
- Tingling in hands and toes
- Niggling
- Heart rhythm disturbances
What happens during the PTH test?
The physician will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
You probably do not need any special preparation for the PTH test, but ask your health care provider. Some caregivers may ask you to fast for the test (not to eat or drink, or to have the test done at a specific time of day or night.
Are there any risks associated with testing?
There are considerable risks associated with blood testing. The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore or bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If your analysis shows that you have higher than normal levels of PTH, it may mean that you
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Benign (non-cancerous) tumor the parathyroid gland
- Kidney disease
- Vitamin D deficiency
- A condition that means you cannot absorb food from food
If the test shows lower than normal PTH levels, it means you have
- Hypokinetic nephropathy, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to absorb
- excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium.
Talk to your own care provider if you have questions about your results.
Is there anything else I should know about the PTH test?
PTH plays an important role in checking blood phosphorus and vitamin D levels; if the PTH test results are not normal, your physician can order a phosphorus and/or vitamin D test to assist in diagnosis.
Provided by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library. & lt; pran & gt; If the test shows higher than normal PTH levels, it may mean you
