Ulta Lab Tests

PTH, Intact and Calcium Ionized

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Calcium Ionized

Calcium, Ionized

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Also known as: "Biointact" PTH, Intact PTH, Parathyroid Hormone , Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), PTH, PTH Intact without Calcium

PARATHYROID HORMONE,

PTH stands for parathyroid hormone. It is a protein hormone released by the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. Release of PTH is controlled by the level of calcium in the blood. Low blood calcium levels cause increased PTH to be released, while high blood calcium levels block PTH release.
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The PTH, Intact and Calcium Ionized panel contains 2 tests with 2 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel is used to evaluate parathyroid function and calcium levels in the blood. This panel is instrumental in diagnosing and managing a variety of conditions related to the parathyroid glands and calcium metabolism. By accurately measuring the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and ionized calcium, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the delicate balance maintained by the body to regulate calcium levels, which is crucial for various bodily functions including bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Plasma and Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel May Be Ordered

This panel is typically ordered when a patient exhibits symptoms suggestive of calcium imbalance or parathyroid disorders, such as weakness, fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, or abnormal heart rhythms. It is also ordered in cases of suspected hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions, and to evaluate patients with disorders of calcium metabolism. The panel helps in diagnosing conditions by providing a clear picture of how the parathyroid glands are functioning in relation to calcium levels in the body.

What the PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel Checks For

The PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel focuses on two main components:

  • Intact PTH: This test measures the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. PTH is crucial for regulating and maintaining calcium levels within a narrow range. It influences bone remodeling, absorption of calcium in the intestines, and reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys. An imbalance in PTH levels can indicate issues with the parathyroid glands or calcium metabolism in the body.

  • Ionized Calcium: This test measures the level of calcium in its free, ionized form, which is the biologically active form of calcium in the blood. Ionized calcium is vital for many bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Abnormal levels can indicate a wide range of conditions from dietary deficiencies to serious diseases involving the kidneys, bones, or parathyroid glands.

Conditions or Diseases Detected by the PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel

The panel is critical for diagnosing and managing several conditions related to calcium imbalance and parathyroid function:

  • Hyperparathyroidism: A condition characterized by excessive production of PTH, leading to high calcium levels in the blood. This can result in bone loss, kidney stones, and neurological symptoms. The panel can detect elevated PTH levels alongside high ionized calcium, confirming the diagnosis.

  • Hypoparathyroidism: Marked by insufficient PTH production, this condition leads to abnormally low calcium levels, causing muscle cramps, spasms, and seizures. The panel can reveal decreased PTH levels with low ionized calcium levels, aiding in the diagnosis.

  • Calcium Metabolism Disorders: These include conditions like vitamin D deficiency or kidney disease, which affect calcium absorption and excretion. The panel helps by showing the relationship between PTH and calcium levels, indicating whether the body is properly regulating calcium.

Utilizing the PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel in Treatment and Monitoring

For each condition detected by the panel, treatment and monitoring strategies are tailored based on the results:

  • Hyperparathyroidism: Treatment may involve surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland(s). Post-surgery, the panel is used to monitor calcium and PTH levels to ensure they return to and remain within normal ranges.

  • Hypoparathyroidism: Treatment typically involves calcium and vitamin D supplementation to maintain normal calcium levels. The panel is used to closely monitor the effectiveness of treatment, adjusting dosages to avoid complications from over- or under-supplementation.

  • Calcium Metabolism Disorders: Depending on the specific disorder, treatment might include dietary changes, supplements, or medications to normalize calcium levels. Regular monitoring with the panel ensures that treatment is effective and that calcium and PTH levels are maintained within a healthy range.

The PTH Intact and Calcium Ionized Panel is a vital diagnostic and monitoring tool in the management of parathyroid and calcium metabolism disorders. By providing accurate measurements of PTH and ionized calcium levels, it aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions, tailoring treatments, and monitoring patient progress to ensure optimal health outcomes. This panel underscores the complexity of calcium regulation in the body and the importance of maintaining this balance for overall health.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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