Why get tested? To determine whether PTH levels are responding normally to changes in blood calcium levels; to distinguish the cause of calcium imbalances; to evaluate parathyroid function; during surgery for hyperparathyroidism, to confirm removal of the gland(s) causing the problem
When to get tested? When calcium blood levels are higher or lower than normal, when you are having surgery for hyperparathyroidism, or when your doctor wants to determine how well your parathyroid glands are functioning
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
This article was last reviewed on September 17, 2007.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the page. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the page, so the two dates may not always agree.