What is PTH test and why it is done? |
Posted: December 10, 2018 |
PTH test stands for parathyroid hormone test which is prescribed whenever there is calcium imbalance in the blood. This test is performed to detect the cause of this imbalance. Parathyroid gland is the four-sectioned gland which is located in the neck towards the edge of thyroid gland. It is one such gland which regulates Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus level in the blood stream and the bones. The parathyroid gland is responsible for the release of parathyroid hormone or PTH hormone that regulates calcium level. When there is calcium imbalance in the blood, it suggests issues in the parathyroid gland. The level of calcium in the blood triggers the gland to release the hormone. The PTH production shoots up when the calcium level is low and vice versa. Apart from evaluating any imbalance in calcium level, the doctor can also prescribe this test to detect any underlying medical condition. Since PTH is related to the level of calcium, often the doctor prescribes parathyroid hormone test in case of calcium imbalance. Why to take Parathyroid hormone test? The doctor prescribes the test to find what has caused calcium imbalance. It also helps to determine the functioning of Parathyroid gland. This test also helps to distinguish between the primary, secondary or hyperparathyroidism while helping in the exact diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Just like the AFB test helps to diagnose tuberculosis, the parathyroid test is vital test to diagnose the reason behind any deficiency or offshoot of calcium level in the blood. When to take the parathyroid hormone test? The test may be taken when any of the following symptoms shows up:
When you have any such situations as mentioned above, the doctor will suggest parathyroid hormone test. What happens when there is calcium imbalance? If the calcium level in the blood is too high, it suggests hyperparathyroidism. It is the consequence of overactive parathyroid gland. When the gland is overactive, there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone. If nothing is done in a timely manner, there may be kidney stones resulting from excessive calcium in the blood. On the other hand, very little calcium leads to hypoparathyroidism. This is the condition resulting from underactive parathyroid gland. This suggests that the parathyroid gland is not functioning properly and hence there is a deficiency of calcium. This may directly lead to symptoms like weak bones, muscular spasms, titany or over-stimulated nerves and disturbance in the heart rhythm. What it checks?
Is there any risk of taking the test? The risk of taking parathyroid hormone test is just mild. You may experience lightheadedness, bleeding, blood clotting beneath the skin from where the blood is drawn. PRL test is the test conducted to determine the level hormone secreted by pituitary gland. Both PRL and PTH are important tests and must be taken whenever prescribed by the doctor.
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