Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It's usually tested along with calcium.
Why it's done
- High or low calcium
- Kidney stones or bone thinning
- Kidney disease
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| PTH | About 10 to 65 pg/mL (labs vary) |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
High PTH with high calcium
Points to an overactive parathyroid gland, often treatable with surgery.
High PTH with low or normal calcium
Often from low vitamin D or kidney disease.
Low PTH with low calcium
Points to an underactive parathyroid.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.