Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PTHrP, PTH-rP, PTH Related Peptide, PTH Related Protein, Parathyroid Hormone Related Protein, Parathyroid Related Polypeptide, Humoral Hypercalcaemia of Malignancy Factor, PRP |
| Sample Type | Plasma (venous blood collected in an ice-cooled EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 to 10 days (varies by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders with unexplained high blood calcium or suspected malignancy |
| Price | Starting at ₹22,000 (aggregator reference; confirm current price at booking) |
What Is a Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test?
The PTHrP test measures the level of parathyroid hormone-related peptide in the blood. PTHrP is a protein produced naturally in small amounts by most body tissues. When present at abnormally high levels, it can cause calcium in the blood to rise sharply. Doctors typically order this Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide test when a patient has unexplained high blood calcium (hypercalcaemia) or when cancer-related causes are being investigated. The sample used is a blood plasma sample, collected through a standard blood draw.
What Does a Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test Measure?
This PTH related peptide blood test detects and quantifies PTHrP in plasma. PTHrP resembles parathyroid hormone (PTH) closely enough to bind to the same receptors in the body. This causes it to act like PTH, triggering calcium release from bones and reducing calcium loss through the kidneys, which raises blood calcium levels.
Because different laboratory methods measure different forms of PTHrP, results are reported against assay-specific reference ranges. The table below outlines the commonly used assay types and their reference values.
| Assay Type | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| PTHrP (N-terminal assay) | Up to 4.2 | pmol/L |
| PTHrP (alternate N-terminal assay) | Up to 2.0 (95th percentile) | pmol/L |
| PTHrP (C-terminal assay) | 14 to 27 | pg/mL |
Note: Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay method. Results from different assays cannot be directly compared. Reference values have not been established for children under one year of age.
Why Is a Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to identify the cause of elevated blood calcium or to investigate a possible cancer-related condition. It is not a routine screening test.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The symptoms listed below are those associated with hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium), which is the primary clinical reason this test is requested.
- Unusual thirst and frequent urination
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Bone pain or generalised body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Forgetfulness, low mood, or irritability
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may request this PTHrP serum test to investigate or differentiate between the following conditions.
- Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium) of unknown origin
- Humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HHM), which is high blood calcium caused by substances released by tumours
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), to distinguish it from cancer-related hypercalcaemia
- Paraneoplastic syndromes, which are conditions caused by chemicals secreted by cancerous tumours
- Cancers most commonly associated with PTHrP secretion, including carcinomas of the breast, lung, head and neck, kidney, bladder, cervix, uterus, and ovary, as well as some neuroendocrine tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few steps will help ensure your sample is collected correctly and gives reliable results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment.
However, avoid taking calcium supplements or vitamin D before your sample is collected, as these can affect calcium metabolism and may influence results. If any additional tests have been ordered alongside this one, check with your doctor whether those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help your sample collection go smoothly.
- Avoid calcium supplements and vitamin D in the days leading up to your test
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for a comfortable blood draw
- Stay well hydrated unless advised otherwise
Step-by-Step Procedure
Because PTHrP is unstable in plasma, the sample must be handled carefully from the moment it is collected. Here is what to expect.
- A trained phlebotomist prepares a chilled or pre-cooled plastic collection tube containing EDTA (an anticoagulant).
- A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm using a fine needle.
- The collection tube is immediately inverted several times to mix the blood evenly.
- The tube is placed in a refrigerated centrifuge to separate the plasma from the blood cells.
- The separated plasma is transferred into a plastic vial and frozen promptly.
- The frozen sample is transported to the reference laboratory under cold chain conditions for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may affect the reliability of your PTH RP test result.
- Poor cold chain handling during sample transport, which can cause PTHrP to degrade
- Delay in separating the plasma after collection
- Kidney (renal) impairment, which can cause C-terminal assays to produce higher readings and more false-positive results
- Heterophile antibodies (certain proteins in the blood) that can occasionally cause false results
- Very high PTHrP concentrations, which can sometimes produce falsely lower readings due to what is called the hooking effect
Understanding Your Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test Results
Your results will show a PTHrP level measured against the reference range used by the laboratory. In healthy individuals, PTHrP is typically very low or completely undetectable; around 75% of healthy people have undetectable levels.
| Result | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Within normal range or undetectable | PTHrP level is within expected limits for healthy individuals |
| Above normal range | Possible malignancy-related hypercalcaemia, HHM, or certain non-cancerous conditions |
| Decreasing after treatment | May suggest a positive response to treatment for HHM |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
PTHrP levels can be naturally elevated in certain non-cancerous situations, and some medical conditions can also affect the test reading.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation) are known to raise PTHrP levels in otherwise healthy women, as are newborn infants. Non-cancerous conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), HIV-associated lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), lymphoedema of the chest or pleural cavities, and certain benign tumours of the ovary, kidney, and neuroendocrine system have also been associated with elevated PTHrP.
Patients with kidney impairment should note that C-terminal PTHrP assays tend to produce higher values in this group, which increases the chance of a false-positive result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
PTHrP elevation is generally linked to specific medical conditions rather than lifestyle factors. However, the following general habits support your overall bone and calcium health.
- Keep well hydrated and follow a balanced diet with appropriate calcium intake as advised by your doctor
- Attend regular health check-ups, particularly if you have known risk factors for cancer
- Report symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or bone pain to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test Price and Home Collection
The PTHrP test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹22,000 based on available aggregator data. Home collection is available, so you do not need to visit a centre to get your sample collected.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Bangalore | ₹12,500 |
| Bhopal | ₹12,500 |
| Bhubaneshwar | ₹12,500 |
| Chennai | ₹12,500 |
| Indore | ₹12,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website or app.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the Parathyroid Hormone Related Protein test across cities in India. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your preferred time, collects the sample using the correct cold chain protocol, and dispatches it to the laboratory. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are accessible via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PTHrP test is primarily used to evaluate patients with unexplained high blood calcium (hypercalcaemia). It helps doctors determine whether the elevated calcium is caused by a tumour secreting PTHrP or by an overactive parathyroid gland. Your doctor will order it as part of a broader diagnostic workup.
No, the Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide test cannot be used alone to confirm or rule out cancer. It is one piece of a wider investigation. An elevated result indicates that PTHrP is high, but further tests are needed to identify the underlying cause.
PTHrP is an unstable protein that begins to break down quickly once it is outside the body. The sample must be collected in a chilled EDTA tube, separated within a short time, and kept frozen during transport. This special handling ensures the result reflects your actual PTHrP level accurately.
Yes. Elevated PTHrP can occur in non-cancerous situations. These include pregnancy, breastfeeding, newborn infants, systemic lupus erythematosus, HIV-associated swollen lymph nodes, lymphoedema, and certain benign tumours. Your doctor will assess your results in the context of your overall clinical picture.
The cancers most often linked to elevated PTHrP include squamous cell carcinomas of the lung and head and neck, as well as cancers of the breast, kidney, bladder, cervix, uterus, and ovary. Some neuroendocrine tumours may also produce PTHrP. A raised result does not confirm any specific cancer diagnosis.
Because this is a specialised test, results typically take 2 to 10 days. The sample is usually sent to a reference laboratory for analysis, which means turnaround time is longer than routine blood tests. Lupin Diagnostics will notify you via email or WhatsApp once your report is ready.
No fasting is required. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment. Do inform your doctor if you are taking calcium supplements or vitamin D, as these can influence calcium metabolism and may be worth pausing before the test.
Parathyroid Hormone Related Peptide PTH RP Test: Booking, Price, and Results
