Ask the Expert

Get answers to your Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

PTH - Results

Alternative Names

Parathormone; Parathormone (PTH) intact molecule; Parathyroid hormone

Normal Values:

Normal values are 10-55 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Greater than normal levels may be associated with:

Chronic kidney failure
Hyperparathyroidism
Increased blood lipids
Malabsorption syndrome
Osteomalacia in adults
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Rickets in children
Use of certain medications such as rifampin, anticonvulsants, diuretics, lithium, and those containing phosphate
Vitamin D deficiency

Lower than normal levels may be associated with:

Accidental removal of parathyroid glands during neck surgery
Autoimmune destruction of parathyroid gland
Hypomagnesemia
Hypoparathyroidism
Metastatic bone tumor
Milk-alkali syndrome (excessive calcium ingestion)
Sarcoidosis
Vitamin D intoxication

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Reviewed last on: 10/24/2007
Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Bilezikian JP, Potts JT, Fuleihan Gel-H, et al. Summary statement from a workshop on asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: a perspective for the 21st century. J Bone Miner Res. 2002:17(Suppl2):N2-N11.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)