Description
The Bone Health Basic Profile measures Osteocalcin and Calcium levels in serum. This profile is designed as a basic evaluation of bone health.
Osteocalcin levels in Serum is used to evaluate bone disease. Increased levels of osteocalcin are found in bone diseases characterized by increased bone turnover. Osteocalcin has been found to be elevated in Paget disease of the bone, cancer accompanied by bone metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy. Osteocalcin levels may serve as useful index in evaluating the therapeutic management of the patient. Determination of serum osteocalcin has proven to be valuable as an aid in identifying women at risk of developing osteoporosis, for monitoring bone metabolism during perimenopause and postmenopause, and during antiresorptive therapy.
Calcium levels in Serum is an important mineral in the body. It helps the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart and is required in blood clotting and in bones building. About 1% of calcium is found in the blood. Half of it is freely circulating in the bloodstream. The other half ("bound" calcium) is attached to albumin and other compounds. Calcium is tested to diagnose and monitor a range of problems relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth.