1. Diagnosing Through Blood Analysis
One of the easiest and most convenient ways for a doctor to diagnose hyperparathyroidism is to measure the levels of hormone production in the body. The human body should produce a certain amount of hormones on a daily basis in order to maintain a healthy, well-functioning body. Once the hormones are tested and known, the doctor will then compare the amount of calcium in the blood to the levels of hormones. The doctor can test the hormone levels and the calcium levels by performing a typical blood test. A blood sample is taken from the patient's arm and sent to the lab for analysis. The doctor will then read the results of the lab work and determine if the hormone production and/or the calcium levels are lower or higher than normal. A large amount of calcium could indicate hyperparathyroidism.
2. Diagnosing Through Urinanalysis
The doctor is also able to diagnose hyperparathyroidism through the use of a series of urine tests. The patient will urinate in a small cup and the sample will be sent to the lab for analysis. The amount of calcium in the urine will be monitored over a 24-hour period. If the kidneys are functioning properly, they will filter much of the calcium. If not, there will be high levels of calcium in the urine and this could possibly be an indication of hyperparathyroidism. However, this test is not as effective as a blood test. It is only accurate about 40 percent of the time. Doctors will usually do a blood test and a urine test together when they are attempting to diagnose hyperparathyroidism.
3. Diagnosing Through Imaging
Sometimes hyperparathyroidism can be the result of a tumor growing on one or more of the parathyroid glands. When a tumor is present on a parathyroid gland, it can either produce a lot of hormones or shut down and produce no hormones. A doctor will be able to diagnose a parathyroid tumor through various types of imaging such as ultrasound, MRI, CAT and PET scans. All of these tests are harmless tests where the patient is placed on his back on a table and pictures are taken of the neck. These imaging machines help indicate the exact location of the tumor, the size and weight of the tumor and to what extent it is affecting the parathyroid glands. The images are very accurate and are usually done along with the blood tests and the urine tests to determine hyperparathyroidism.
