Test Directory

Surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism relies on the ability to accurately identify parathyroid tissue. The use of fine-needle aspirate (FNA) with measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in suspected parathyroid cysts or adenomas is used to identify parathyroid tissue and has been proven to be a useful surgical adjunct in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism.

Preferred Specimen Type: Fine Needle Aspirate

Alternate Specimen Types: Parathyroid-tissue washings, non-lymph node washings, non-nodal soft tissue washings or cervical node washings

Collection Container: Sterile Container

Desired Specimen Volume: 1 mL

1. Collect fine needle aspirate with a biopsy needle.
2. Refer to fine needle aspiration procedure Cytologist Assisted Fine Needle Aspiration Procedure.

1. Inspect specimen for visible blood or tissue contamination.
2. If bloody, centrifuge specimen and transfer supernatant to a sterile aliquot tube. If the specimen is clear, centrifugation is not necessary.
3. Transfer 1 mL of FNA to a sterile aliquot tube (screw cap) and freeze immediately.

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Specimens in glass tubes

 See patient report.

• PTH, Intact, FNA
• PTHI
• Intact Parathyroid Hormone FNA