Osteoporosis Profile III Test

Osteoporosis profile test measures certain parameters in blood and urine that may aid the monitoring of osteoporosis disease status. The common symptoms are frequent non-specific backache, brittle bones leading to frequent falls and fractures, loss of height over time, bending of the spine (kyphosis).  This profile test is mainly done in patients undergoing Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Osteoporosis profile test measures the levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in blood serum,  DPD and P1Np  levels in urine sample. Beta 2 Crosslaps is also measured. 

It is a profile test that measures specific parameters in blood and urine. Bone 'resorption' markers can be measured in blood or urine. Bone 'formation' markers are measured in blood. This helps track the progression of osteoporosis disease.

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. Early morning first or second void urine sample is recommended for measuring the DPD levels. 

Low calcium levels may lead to dry skin, coarse hair, brittle nails, muscle cramps, tingling, and cardiac irregularities. Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) may occur due to hypoparathyroidism, kidney conditions, malnutrition. pancreatitis, low calcium diet and vitamin D deficiency.
High calcium levels may lead to constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and mental confusion. High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) may indicate hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland), certain cancers, bone disorders like Paget's disease or high vitamin D levels. 
High phosphorus levels maybe due to kidney disorders, diabetic ketoacidosis, liver diseases, hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, excess phosphorus in the diet and even due to certain medications. 
Low phosphorus levels may occur due to hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia, lack of phosphorus in the diet, alcoholism and malnutrition.
High levels of ALP are seen in:
Children during active bone formation, pregnant women, those with hepatobiliary disease like bile duct obstruction, hyperparathyroidism,  chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteomalacia, bacterial infection and malignant tumour.
High DPD levels in urine indicate the risk of osteoporosis due to poor bone re-absorption status. 
This is most commonly seen in post menopausal women with low estrogen levels. 
High P1NP levels are seen in patients with osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Post beginning the HRT , if the levels are found to reduce it may show treatment effectiveness. 

The osteoporosis profile III test is a profile test that measures the levels of:

Calcium (Ca)

Phosphorus (P)

Alkaline Phosphatase-Total (ALP-Total)

Beta 2 Crosslaps (CTX-1)

Alkaline Phosphatase-Bone Fraction

Osteocalcin

25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D)

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Estradiol (E2)

Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP)

Blood sample

• • A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is collected in a test tube.
  • When the needle enters or leaves, you can experience a slight sting.
  • This usually takes less than five minutes.

Urine sample

• • The first urine sample of the morning is preferred.
  • Around 10 ml of spot urine sample is collected in a clean, dark, dry, leak-proof container, without preservative or antiseptic.

The sample is then labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Symptoms include non-specific backaches, frequent fractures, loss of height over time, and bending of the spine (kyphosis).

There are no specific instructions for this test. You need to inform the doctor about any medications you are currently taking. No fasting is required unless there is another test for which you are providing a sample.

• • Low calcium levels may indicate osteoporosis. However, osteoporosis patients may present with normal calcium levels too.
  • High phosphorus levels may be indicative of osteoporosis.
  • High levels of Bone-ALP that are up to three times normal may indicate osteoporosis.
  • High DPD levels in the urine indicate the risk of osteoporosis.
  • High P1NP levels are seen in patients with osteoporosis. If the levels are found to reduce in patients undergoing HRT, it may indicate treatment effectiveness.
  • Increased beta-cell cross-overs may indicate osteoporosis.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for help interpreting the test reports.

Osteoporosis has no symptoms in its early stages. The only way to find out if you have bone resorption is to have it tested. The absence of symptoms does not guarantee that you are not experiencing bone resorption.

Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can be caused by kidney disease, malnutrition, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, a low-calcium diet, and pancreatitis.

ALP or alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in high concentrations in the bone, liver, kidneys, intestine and bile duct. It is a marker of bone turnover. Increased levels indicate bone resorption and may lead to osteoporosis. 

Deoxypyridinoline or DPD provides stiffness to collagen present in bones. It is excreted in the urine as such when bone resorption occurs. Thus high levels of DPD in urine may indicate osteoporosis.

Procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide or P1Np is a marker of bone formation. High levels of P1Np in urine may indicate osteoporosis.

 

This test is usually recommended for:

• • Women in early menopause or who have had their ovaries surgically removed
  • Women who never had children.
  • Men whose testosterone levels have dropped as a result of cancer treatment
  • Family history of osteoporosis.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Individuals who have been on high doses of steroids for a long time.
  • Individuals who have been on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  • Post-menopausal women and men after age 60.
  • Calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
  • to assess bone resorption rates in healthy people.
  • Individuals who are at a high risk of developing metabolic bone diseases.

• • The 25-hydroxyvitamin D test measures the amount of vitamin D required for bone health.
  • Parathyroid hormone (PTH) tests are used to determine the level of PTH, which helps regulate calcium levels.
  • calcium absorption test. This test assesses your body's ability to absorb calcium from food.
  • A bone density test (DEXA scan) is also recommended.

Bone marker tests

Osteoporosis profile test

Osteoporosis Markers Panel

Bone Metabolism Markers

Bone Resorption Markers Panel

Calcium (Ca)

Phosphorus (P)

Alkaline Phosphatase-Total (ALP-Total)

Beta 2 Crosslaps (CTX-1)

Alkaline Phosphatase-Bone Fraction

Osteocalcin

25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D)

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Estradiol (E2)

Procollagen 1 Intact N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP)