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Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Blood Test

$95.00 AUD

Had an elevated calcium result and want to check whether your parathyroid glands could be the cause?

The Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Blood Test measures the hormone produced by four small glands behind your thyroid that regulates calcium levels in your blood and bones. PTH is commonly tested alongside calcium and Vitamin D to investigate bone density concerns, abnormal calcium levels, or suspected parathyroid dysfunction.

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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1
Order a test

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Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is produced by four small glands sitting behind the thyroid in your neck. Despite the similar name, the parathyroid glands are entirely separate from the thyroid and serve a different function. Their job is to regulate calcium levels in the blood. When calcium drops, the parathyroid glands release more PTH, which pulls calcium from bones, increases calcium absorption from food, and reduces calcium lost through the kidneys. When calcium rises, PTH production slows down.

This feedback loop normally keeps calcium within a tight range. When it malfunctions, the consequences can be significant. Overproduction of PTH (hyperparathyroidism) leads to elevated blood calcium, which over time can cause bone thinning, kidney stones, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Underproduction (hypoparathyroidism) results in low calcium, which can trigger muscle cramps, tingling, and in severe cases, seizures.

Primary hyperparathyroidism, where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive on their own, is one of the most common endocrine disorders. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the glands ramp up PTH in response to low calcium caused by vitamin D deficiency or kidney disease. The distinction between these matters for treatment, and PTH tested alongside calcium and vitamin D is what allows your practitioner to tell them apart.

This test is most commonly ordered when a calcium abnormality has been found on a routine blood test, when investigating bone density concerns, or when kidney stones are recurring. A fasting morning sample is recommended for the most stable and comparable result, as PTH levels fluctuate throughout the day.

Symptoms

This test helps assess whether your parathyroid glands are producing too much or too little PTH. Overproduction (hyperparathyroidism) can cause elevated calcium, bone thinning, and kidney stones. Underproduction (hypoparathyroidism) leads to low calcium levels that can cause muscle cramps and neurological symptoms. PTH is most useful when interpreted alongside calcium and Vitamin D levels.

Questions

  • PTH levels fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by meals. A fasting morning sample gives the most stable and comparable reading.
  • Yes — PTH and calcium work as a pair. Testing both at the same time gives your practitioner the context needed to interpret your result accurately.
  • Despite the similar name, the parathyroid glands are entirely separate from the thyroid. There are four parathyroid glands, each about the size of a grain of rice, sitting behind the thyroid. They regulate calcium, not thyroid hormones.
  • Elevated PTH most commonly points to primary hyperparathyroidism (an overactive parathyroid gland) or secondary hyperparathyroidism from Vitamin D deficiency or kidney disease. Your practitioner will assess which is likely based on your calcium and Vitamin D levels.
  • Yes. Low Vitamin D is one of the most common causes of elevated PTH. Adding a Vitamin D test to your order gives a more complete picture.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Biomarker Tested

How to prepare

Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine to drink. Book an early morning appointment where possible, as PTH levels are most stable in the morning fasting state. Take any regular medications as normal unless your practitioner advises otherwise.

After the test

Take your PTH result alongside any calcium and Vitamin D results to your health professional. They'll assess the combination to determine whether further investigation is needed. If your calcium was flagged in a previous blood test, having both results at the same appointment makes interpretation straightforward.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

- High PTH alongside high calcium suggests primary hyperparathyroidism — a condition where one or more parathyroid glands are overactive.
- High PTH alongside low or normal calcium may indicate secondary hyperparathyroidism, often linked to Vitamin D deficiency or kidney disease.
- Low PTH alongside low calcium points toward hypoparathyroidism.
- PTH must always be interpreted together with calcium (and ideally Vitamin D) levels — neither marker tells the full story alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.