Pht blood test

[Mm0897]

I got bloods done back in November, doctor asked for them to be done again, came back with pth at 8.3, was told to get them done again in January, came back at 8.9, asked to get them done again in March, don’t know the reason for this as only get to speak to receptionist,does anyone know what this is and why I need test done 3 times

[bantam12]

PTH is to measure parathyroid level, it needs to be tested at the same time as calcium and Vitd, the result may indicate if hyperparathyroidism is a problem. Usually several tests over months are needed, in hyperparathyroidism PTH and Calcium will usually be high and Vitd low but it’s a bit more complex and can difficult to diagnose.

[Mm0897 in reply to bantam12]

thanks for replying, do you know how many test they will do, had 2 already, if third one comes back high, what happens then?

[bantam12 in reply to Mm0897]

Testing PTH on its own isn’t helpful, you need at least calcium tested at the same time. PTH, Calcium and VitD work together so you need to know all the levels.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma which needs surgery but I see you have kidney problems and this can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism which doesn’t need surgery and can be managed with medication.

But hyperparathyroidism is a complicated issue and needs a very experienced Dr and Endocrinologist to diagnose it, typically it can take many months to years to get a definite diagnosis as levels fluctuate and cause delays in decision making.

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to bantam12]

Some practices don’t test calcium and Vit D, for parathyroid testing mine doesn’t. Also doesn’t follow the strict PTH protocol (ice and vial etc) either. I find the variations in protocol troubling. My PTH is in range so no further concern by hospital and yet there are conditions that may include PTH in range but Calcium not (but not tested) - mind blowing. Mm0897 likely ultrasound and kidney function testing next. I found parathyroid.com useful. Wishing you all the best 🌱🦋🌱

[bantam12 in reply to Regenallotment]

You need to find a Dr who will test your Calcium and VitD, as I said above it’s a waste of time just testing PTH.

[Mm0897]

aw thanks for replying, have had a lot of kidney problems last few years, extremely large stone last year, and low kidney function, sounds like it’s all connected, thanks very much for info

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mm0897]

Request they test correctly

Calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid levels together

Are you currently taking any vitamin D?

If yes you should stop

parathyroid.com/

parathyroid.com/kidney-ston...

Helpful app once you get all three levels tested together

calciumpro.com/

[Mm0897 in reply to SlowDragon]

hi they done a separate test for vitamin D and that came back ok

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mm0897]

which is useless

You need calcium, parathyroid and vitamin D tested together at the same time

It needs to be done at hospital phlebotomy department as Pth test has to be processed within 15mins of blood draw

[Mm0897 in reply to SlowDragon]

thanks for all this info, have just made an appointment to speak to gp, to explain all this, going to ask for a referral asap

[elaine2447]

8.9 sounds like you are in the UK and the top of the rang is 6.9. In which case it's over, you need to always have calcium, pth and vitamin D done at the same time from the same blood draw. So many GP's and even endo's dont know this If your vitamind D is normal and adjusted calcium higher than 2.6 then it sounds like hyperparathyroidism. Do not put up with any nonsense. I did for five years and ended up paying in excess of £10k for a parathyroidectomy three days before lockdown. My osteoporosis worsening all the time. The surgeon sent a diplomatic bo**ocking to the endocrinologist who was useless as per usual as was the GP. Just for your information even if the adjusted calcium is within the 2.6 range, say 2.59, it is still too high and there is no such thing as "mild hyperparathyoidism which a lot of people get fobbed off with. There is a good group on Facebook affiliated to the parathyroid charity facebook.com/groups/7583269...

[Mm0897]

thanks for the info, how many blood tests do I need before referral to endo