PTH | Parathormone

Parathormone (PTH) – it is a hormone produced in the parathyroid glands, responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body. PTH works together with vitamin D and calcitonin, mobilizing calcium and phosphates from bone tissue, increasing calcium reabsorption in the intestine, and promoting phosphate excretion through the kidneys. This mechanism ensures a stable level of calcium in the blood, even under changing external conditions.

The level of parathormone in the body increases in cases of parathyroid gland adenomas, carcinomas, chronic kidney damage, or vitamin D deficiency. Decreased PTH concentration is often found in cases of hypercalcemia, vitamin D overdose (intoxication), or autoimmune diseases, for example, Graves' disease.

Test principle: The concentration of parathormone is determined by an immunochemical method from venous blood. Results are presented in units of pg/ml or pmol/l. When assessing calcium and phosphorus metabolism, the test is often performed in conjunction with total calcium, free calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D tests.

Recommendations:

• It is recommended to perform when suspecting disorders of calcium metabolism.
• Useful for differentiating the causes of hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia.
• Prescribed for patients with chronic kidney failure or osteoporosis risk.
• Performed to monitor the effectiveness of treatment with vitamin D preparations or calcium supplements.
• It is recommended to fast for at least 12 hours before the test.