Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Ultra Accurate Blood Test

PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH) BLOOD TEST

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), also known as parathormone, is a biomarker and a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, which are small glands located in the neck near the thyroid gland. PTH plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which are essential for various physiological processes in the body.

The primary function of PTH is to increase the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream when it falls below the normal range. It does so by stimulating several processes:

1. Bone Resorption: PTH promotes the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream. This is achieved by activating specialized cells called osteoclasts, which break down bone tissue to release calcium ions.
2. Enhanced Calcium Reabsorption: PTH acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of calcium from the urine back into the bloodstream. This reduces the amount of calcium lost in urine.
   
3. Stimulation of Vitamin D Activation: PTH also stimulates the conversion of inactive vitamin D (calcidiol) into its active form (calcitriol) in the kidneys. Active vitamin D further enhances calcium absorption in the intestines.

PTH levels are often used in conjunction with other blood tests, such as calcium and vitamin D measurements, to assess your overall calcium status and to aid in the diagnosis and management of disorders like hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).

Monitoring PTH levels can help your make informed decisions about treatment and determine the underlying causes of calcium-related disorders, their progression or recurrence.

1 Biomarker