Bone health BASIC

When is it advisable to have a test?

The test should be conducted in cases of:

• dull, vague back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades and in the lumbar region,
• as well as reduced or restricted mobility,
• bone pain during everyday activities such as sitting or standing,
• fatigue, weakness, malaise, and joint and muscle pain. 

What´s measured

What are the bones

Bone is a metabolically active organ where there's a continual cycle of old bone breakdown and new bone tissue formation. The whole process is controlled by hormones and growth factors [1,2]. Bones play many important roles in the human body. Changes in bone metabolism can happen at various life stages and might be linked to other conditions, treatments, as well as the natural ageing process. The most widely recognised metabolic bone disorder is osteoporosis [3].

The test should be conducted in cases of dull, vague back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades and in the lumbar region, as well as reduced or restricted mobility, bone pain during everyday activities such as sitting or standing, fatigue, weakness, malaise, and joint and muscle pain. This package is suitable for those who want to check the health of their bones.

What the test of osteoporosis includes

Bone health BASIC includes basic parameters that provide information about bone metabolism. In addition to determining the levels of calcium and phosphorus, the test includes total level of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), hormones such as osteocalcin and vitamin D, and marker CRP (C-reactive protein) and bone markers Beta-CrossLaps and P1NP. The test is complemented by a complete blood count with a differential count.

Calcium

Calcium plays crucial roles in the body. It's responsible for the hardness and strength of human bones, contributes to the proper function of the nervous and muscular systems, and is essential for heart function and blood clotting. The largest reserve of calcium, approximately 99%, is stored in the bones and teeth. 

Phosphorus

Phosphorus, in its inorganic form bound as calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite, constitutes a component of bones and teeth. In its organic form, phosphorus is crucial for the proper functioning of muscles, the nervous system, energy production, and the maintenance of the internal environment of human body. 

ALP 

ALP, alkaline phosphatase, is an enzyme that influences the metabolism of high-energy phosphate bonds and assists in the transport of inorganic phosphate across the cell membrane. It is mainly found in bone and liver cells.

Blood count with differential

It helps in the assessment of the overall health status, can assist in detecting anemia (low red blood cell count), and thus impaired oxygen supply to tissues, as well as in determining the risk of infections, inflammations, immune disorders, or coagulation problems.

CRP 

CRP is one of the acute phase reactants and is a component of the body's immune defense system. As a useful indicator with good dynamics, it is especially helpful in tracking infections/inflammation.

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is a crucial fat-soluble vitamin that serves vital functions in the human body. It's essential for the proper growth and development of bones and teeth, as it stimulates bone formation by activating osteoblasts to synthesise collagen and promotes mineralisation. Deficiency in vitamin D leads to a reduction in calcium content in bone tissue.

Osteokalcin

Osteocalcin serves as an indicator of bone remodelling. It's produced in osteoblasts and chondrocytes, and it binds mineral components such as calcium and hydroxyapatite in organic bone matter.