Parathyroid Profile

The Serum Calcium test measures the calcium level in your blood. Most of your body’s calcium (about 99%) is stored in bones and teeth to keep them strong. The rest (1%) circulates in the blood and helps your muscles move, nerves work, blood to clot, and heart to keep a steady rhythm.

Calcium in blood comes in two forms:

• Bound calcium, attached to proteins like albumin
• Ionized (free) calcium, which is active and helps many body functions

This test measures total calcium (both bound and ionized). This test cannot show if you have enough calcium in your diet. It also cannot detect bone diseases like osteoporosis. The body keeps blood calcium levels steady. It does this by taking calcium from bones during mild shortages.

The Phosphorus, Serum test is used to evaluate the level of phosphorus in your blood. Phosphorus is an inherent component of all living cells in the system and most, 85 percent, is located in the tissues of bones and teeth, while the remaining 15 percent is part of the blood and other soft tissues. Your body obtains its daily phosphorus requirements through dietary sources and under normal conditions, once the necessary amounts of phosphorus are absorbed by the cells and tissues, the remaining is eliminated via the urine.

Besides consuming a wholesome diet enriched with sufficient amounts of phosphorus, it is also important to ensure ample intake of calcium and vitamin D, to maintain overall health.

The Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy) test measures the levels of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that can be synthesized in the body upon healthy exposure to sunlight or absorbed from dietary sources. It exists in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is present in plants, such as yeast or mushrooms, and is available as a supplement in fortified foods. Vitamin D3 is found in foods like cheese, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fatty fish.

Both forms of vitamin D need to be converted in the liver and kidneys before the body can use them effectively. This test shows the total level of vitamin D (D2 + D3) circulating in the body and guides your doctor in recommending the right treatment or lifestyle changes if needed.

A PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) test measures the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. PTH levels are regulated by a feedback loop with calcium in the blood. Low calcium stimulates PTH release, and high calcium inhibits it. Problems like tumors or damage to the parathyroid glands can disrupt this balance, leading to abnormal PTH levels.

Monitoring of PTH levels is important in managing disorders affecting bone and mineral metabolism, and a PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) test helps assess the function of parathyroid glands and diagnose conditions related to calcium and phosphorus imbalance.