The Diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism (or What to Do until the Immunoassay Comes)

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Abstract
PHYSICIANS should be more concerned about making the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. It is relatively common, and routine screening of serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations will uncover many patients with abnormal values. The immunoassay for parathyroid-hormone concentration in the blood, currently under development, will eventually provide us with a primary diagnostic test.1 , 2 But from experience with other primary diagnostic tests in endocrine disease we can predict that although immunoassays may improve diagnostic accuracy, they will not replace other diagnostic procedures. For one thing, there will be considerable overlap of values between patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, . . .