PTH, Intact · high result
What does a high PTH, Intact mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for PTH, Intact?
- age 18+: 15.0 – 65.0 pg/mL
Can reflect parathyroid overactivity (primary), or compensation for low calcium or vitamin D (secondary).
Full reference table, citations and testing options: PTH, Intact biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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)
What symptoms go with high PTH, Intact?
- Often none
- Fatigue, bone aches, kidney stones, constipation, low mood, thirst in primary hyperparathyroidism
- Bone pain and weakness with vitamin D deficiency
What do 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 available at TestWell: Calcium ($26.99), Phosphorus ($18.99).
How do you recheck PTH, Intact?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Body Panel | Panel · 49 tests | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) | Test | $59.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
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.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.