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HelpTest Code PTH PTH - Intact
EHR Test Codes
| Test Code | Test Name | |
| Atlas | PTH | PTH, Intact |
| Cerner | PTH - Intact |
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
None
Container Type:
Green Top 5mL Lithium Heparin Separator Tube
Or
Gold Top 6mL SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube
Specimen Type:
Plasma or Serum
Specimen Volume:
2.5 mL Plasma or Serum minimum .5 mL
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Separate plasma or serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Transport refrigerated 2-8°C.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
Plasma: 8 hours ambient room temperature, 2 days refrigerated 2-8°C, 6 months frozen -20°C
Serum: 4 hours ambient room temperature, 8 hours refrigerated 2 - 8°C, 6 months frozen -20°C
Performing Laboratory
Munson Medical Center Laboratories
Chemistry Department
Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround
Priority:
Non-Emergent
Frequency:
24 hours 7 days a week
Turnaround:
0 - 1 days
Methodology
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
Reporting
Reference Range:
10 - 65 pg/mL
Critical Decision:
None
Clinical Significance
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is formed in the parathyroid glands and secreted into the blood stream. PTH, together with vitamin D and calcitonin, brings about mobilization of calcium and phosphate from the skeletal system and increases the uptake of calcium in the intestine and the excretion of phosphate via the kidneys.
The constancy of the blood calcium level is ensured by the interaction of PTH and calcitonin. The secretion of PTH is inhibited by high calcium concentrations and promoted by low calcium concentrations.
Parathyroid gland disorders lead to elevated or depressed blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia or hypocalcaemia) brought about by a change in the secretion of PTH. Detection of subfunctioning parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism) requires the use of a highly sensitive test in order to be able to measure PTH levels well below normal.
Hyperfunctioning of the parathyroid gland results in an increased secretion of PTH (hyperparathyroidism). Primary causes are adenomas of the parathyroid glands. In secondary hyperparathyroidism the blood calcium level is low as a result of other pathological states (e.g. vitamin D deficiency). Today, great significance is attached to the determination of the PTH and calcium concentrations when assessing hyperparathyroidism.
CPT Code(s)
83970