Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

 

PTH

 

Department


Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital, Macclesfield District General Hospital and Leighton Hospital.


Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: not possible for this test

Minimum Retest Interval: 90 days

 

Sample  Collection instructions:

 

Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into an EDTA tube (purple-top). 

In most cases, concurrent calcium measurement is required for accurate PTH interpretation – requires separate serum sample (gold-top).

  
Sample Transport & Stability Information:

 

Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained.  If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.

Stable in separated EDTA plasma for 1 day at room temperature, 3 days at 4-8oC and 4 months at -20oC.

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Adult sample type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paediatric sample type: 

EDTA plasma 

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Stoke University & County Hospitals

Age

PTH Range (pmol/L)

All

2.0-8.5

 

Leighton & Macclesfield Hospitals

Age

PTH Range (pmol/L)

All

1.3-9.3


Note, PTH concentrations within the reference range may be inappropriate if the adjusted calcium is abnormal.

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

 

 

Investigation of abnormal serum calcium concentration.

Assessment of patients following thyroid or parathyroid surgery. 

Monitoring of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.

Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.

For more information, please see the following: PTH - Lab Tests Online.

 

Reviewed / Updated On: 10/10/2025