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Test Code PTHRP Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide, Plasma

Important Note

  • Must be drawn at Outpatient Lab at the Main Campus
  • Collect in Pre-Chilled Lavender Tube
  • SEND ON ICE

Additional Codes

PTH - Like Peptide

Reporting Name

PTH-Related Peptide

Useful For

Aiding in the evaluation of individuals with hypercalcemia of unknown origin

 

Aiding in the evaluation of individuals with suspected humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy

 

The test should not be used to exclude cancer or screen individuals with tumors for humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Plasma EDTA


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: Ice-cooled, lavender top (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.7 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge specimen in a refrigerated centrifuge or in chilled centrifuge cups.

2. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial and freeze.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma EDTA Frozen 30 days

Reference Values

≤4.2 pmol/L

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Thursday

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

82397

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PTHRP PTH-Related Peptide 15087-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
81774 PTH-Related Peptide 15087-0

Interpretation

Depending on the patient population, up to 80% of individuals with malignant tumors and hypercalcemia will be suffering from humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). Of these, 50% to 70% might have an elevated parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) level. These patients will also usually show typical biochemical changes of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH)-receptor activation, namely, besides the hypercalcemia, they might have hypophosphatemia, hypercalcuria, hyperphosphaturia, and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. Their PTH levels will typically be less than 30 pg/mL or undetectable.

 

In patients with biochemical findings that suggest, but do not prove, primary hyperparathyroidism (eg, hypercalcemia, but normal or near-normal serum phosphate, and a PTH level that is within the population reference range but above 30 pg/mL), HHM should be considered as a diagnostic possibility, particularly if the patient is an older adult, has a history of malignancy, or has risk factors for malignancy. An elevated PTHrP level in such a patient is highly suggestive of HHM as the cause for the hypercalcemia.

Clinical Reference

1. Donovan PJ, Achong N, Griffin K, Galligan J, Pretorius CJ, McLeod DS. PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia: causes and survival in 138 patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(5):2024-2029

2. Goltzman D: Nonparathyroid hypercalcemia. Front Horm Res. 2019;51:77-90

3. Jacobs TP, Bilezikian JP. Clinical Review: Rare causes of hypercalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(11):6316-6322

4. Mundy GR, Edwards JR. PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) in hypercalcemia. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;19(4):672-675

Report Available

2 to 5 days

Method Name

Immunochemiluminometric Assay (ICMA)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request (T239) with the specimen.