PTH, Intact levels: what's normal, high and low
A hormone that controls calcium balance by acting on bone and kidneys.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
PTH, Intact is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 15.0 – 65.0 pg/mL. At TestWell it's $59.99 all-in as PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- pg/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $59.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
PTH, Intact Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 15.0 – 65.0 pg/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your PTH, Intact result may mean
Can reflect parathyroid overactivity (primary), or compensation for low calcium or vitamin D (secondary).
What a high PTH, Intact means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Can reflect parathyroid issues or high calcium from another source.
What a low PTH, Intact means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high PTH, Intact mean?
High PTH is read against calcium. With a high calcium it means primary hyperparathyroidism — an overactive parathyroid gland, the most common cause of hypercalcemia in outpatients. With a low or normal calcium it is usually secondary: the glands working harder because of vitamin D deficiency, low dietary calcium, or chronic kidney disease. The pair, not PTH alone, gives the diagnosis.
Common causes of a high PTH, Intact
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (high PTH + high calcium): adenoma or gland hyperplasia
- Vitamin D deficiency (high PTH + low/normal calcium)
- Chronic kidney disease (secondary hyperparathyroidism)
- Low calcium intake or malabsorption
- Lithium, some diuretics; familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (rare)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Often none
- Fatigue, bone aches, kidney stones, constipation, low mood, thirst in primary hyperparathyroidism
- Bone pain and weakness with vitamin D deficiency
What clinicians usually check next
- Calcium (albumin-corrected or ionized), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, phosphorus, kidney function
- 24-hour urine calcium when primary hyperparathyroidism is suspected
- Bone density scan; endocrine or surgical referral for confirmed primary disease
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Calcium ($26.99), Phosphorus ($18.99).
High PTH with normal calcium — what does it mean?
Most often vitamin D deficiency or low calcium intake driving the glands (secondary), or early primary disease. Vitamin D, phosphorus and kidney function sort it out.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low PTH, Intact mean?
Low PTH with a high calcium means the glands are correctly suppressed and the calcium is coming from elsewhere — excess vitamin D, certain cancers, granulomatous disease, or medications — which makes it a finding to act on. Low PTH with a low calcium is hypoparathyroidism, most often after thyroid or neck surgery, or autoimmune. Low magnesium can also suppress PTH.
Common causes of a low PTH, Intact
- Non-parathyroid hypercalcemia: vitamin D excess, cancer-related, sarcoidosis, thiazides, milk-alkali
- Hypoparathyroidism after thyroid/parathyroid surgery; autoimmune; genetic
- Severe magnesium deficiency
- Recent large calcium intake (transient)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- High calcium: thirst, urination, constipation, confusion
- Low calcium: tingling, cramps, muscle spasms
What clinicians usually check next
- Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
- Kidney function; PTHrP and further evaluation if calcium is high with no vitamin D excess
- Prompt clinical follow-up — low PTH with high calcium is not a wait-and-see pattern
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Magnesium ($19.99), Calcium ($26.99), Phosphorus ($18.99).
Seek care promptly if
- Low PTH with a calcium above ~13 mg/dL, or with confusion or severe dehydration — same-day care
Is low PTH ever normal?
Yes when calcium is high from another source — the glands are doing their job by switching off. The work-up then focuses on that other source.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a PTH, Intact test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. PTH, Intact is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) | This marker only | $59.99 |
| Total Body Panel | 49 tests | $599.99 |
| Men's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
| Women's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for PTH, Intact: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $59.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $59.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $69.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside PTH, Intact.
Frequently asked
What does a high PTH, Intact mean?
High PTH is read against calcium. With a high calcium it means primary hyperparathyroidism — an overactive parathyroid gland, the most common cause of hypercalcemia in outpatients. With a low or normal calcium it is usually secondary: the glands working harder because of vitamin D deficiency, low dietary calcium, or chronic kidney disease. The pair, not PTH alone, gives the diagnosis.
High PTH with normal calcium — what does it mean?
Most often vitamin D deficiency or low calcium intake driving the glands (secondary), or early primary disease. Vitamin D, phosphorus and kidney function sort it out.
What does a low PTH, Intact mean?
Low PTH with a high calcium means the glands are correctly suppressed and the calcium is coming from elsewhere — excess vitamin D, certain cancers, granulomatous disease, or medications — which makes it a finding to act on. Low PTH with a low calcium is hypoparathyroidism, most often after thyroid or neck surgery, or autoimmune. Low magnesium can also suppress PTH.
Is low PTH ever normal?
Yes when calcium is high from another source — the glands are doing their job by switching off. The work-up then focuses on that other source.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my pth, intact?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get PTH, Intact results?
Most PTH, Intact results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a PTH, Intact test cost?
Our PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) starts at $59.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my PTH, Intact test?
Fasting is not required for the PTH, Intact test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my PTH, Intact test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a PTH, Intact result?
Biotin supplements can change a PTH, Intact result without anything being wrong. Biotin supplements can shift pth — stop biotin ≥72 hours; tell the lab if you can't. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your pth, intact?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $59.99.