Changes in plasma intact parathyroid hormone levels following 24-hour incubation at room temperature as determined by Roche electrochemiluminescence PTH immunoassay.

BACKGROUND

Estimation of circulatory PTH is necessary for correct diagnosis of diseases related to the parathyroid gland, bone, and kidney.

METHODS

Roche Electrochemiluminescence PTH immunoassay was used to measure changes in plasma iPTH concentration in 100 random samples following a 24 hours incubation at room temperature.

RESULTS

Low to normal iPTH concentration individuals showed higher decrease in iPTH concentration as compared to individuals with elevated PTH and the rate of PTH degradation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the low to normal PTH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood samples from suspected hypo- or normo-parathyroid subjects should be analyzed as soon as possible as a little degradation of PTH at room temperature could influence their clinical interpretation.