Hyperparathyroidism

Healthcare providers diagnose hyperparathyroidism by measuring your calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels. They’ll also check your kidney function.

Primary hyperparathyroidism causes high levels of calcium in your blood and pee, and low levels of phosphate in your blood. Secondary hyperparathyroidism causes low levels of vitamin D, normal or low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphate in your blood. Providers often find hyperparathyroidism during routine tests before you have symptoms.

What tests do providers use to diagnose hyperparathyroidism?

Tests providers use to diagnose and monitor hyperparathyroidism include:

• Blood tests.
• 24-hour urine test. For this test, you collect your pee for 24 hours and then bring it to a lab for testing. Your provider will give you instructions on how to complete a 24-hour urine test.
• Parathyroid scan. Also called a sestamibi scan, providers can use a parathyroid scan to help locate which gland or glands are producing too much PTH. Before surgery, they may use the scan to locate specific areas to remove.
• Ultrasounds or other imaging of your kidneys or parathyroid glands.
• Bone density scans.