Description
The Bone Health Comprehensive Profile measures Osteocalcin and Calcium levels in serum as well as Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy. This profile is designed as a comprehensive 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 are 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.
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is a blood test that is normally ordered to identify a possible deficiency in vitamin D, when calcium is low or the patient has symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as bone malformation, bone weakness, softness, or fracture in adults (osteomalacia). The main role of Vitamin D is to help regulate the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium. The Vitamin D test is essential in monitoring the health and growth of bone. The vitamin D test can also be used to diagnose problems with parathyroid gland functioning since parathyroid hormone is essential for vitamin D activation.