Intraoperative PTH (IOPTH)

The intraoperative PTH assay measures PTH levels during parathyroid surgery. Blood is obtained from a vein or artery during surgery and analyzed in the operating room laboratory. After the overactive parathyroid gland(s) are removed, the circulating PTH levels will drop (see graph), and the surgeon will conclude the operation. It has an over 95% accuracy rate in predicting operative success. If the levels do not drop appropriately during the case, the surgeon will continue to search for additional abnormal glands by performing a conventional four gland exploration.