A Bone Screen Blood Test is a set of blood tests that assess bone health by measuring various markers that reflect bone formation, resorption (breakdown), and mineral metabolism. These tests are useful for diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to bone density, bone turnover, and mineral imbalances, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease, and metabolic bone disorders. Here are the common components of a bone screen blood test:

Blood Test Cost – £129

1. Calcium (Serum Calcium)

  • Purpose: Measures the level of calcium in the blood, a crucial mineral for bone health.
  • Used for: Evaluating overall bone and mineral health. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate problems with bones, kidneys, or the parathyroid gland. Low calcium can be a sign of conditions like osteomalacia or parathyroid disorders, while high calcium may indicate hyperparathyroidism or bone breakdown.

2. Phosphate (Phosphorus)

  • Purpose: Measures the amount of phosphate in the blood, another important mineral for bone structure.
  • Used for: Assessing bone and kidney health. Phosphate levels can be high in conditions like kidney failure and bone diseases, and low in disorders such as osteomalacia.

3. Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy Vitamin D)

  • Purpose: Measures the level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the major circulating form of vitamin D in the blood.
  • Used for: Evaluating bone health, as vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone formation. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to conditions like rickets, osteomalacia, and contribute to osteoporosis.

4. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

5. Urea and Electrolytes

Summary of Uses:

  • Osteoporosis: Bone screen tests help diagnose and monitor this condition, where bones become weak and prone to fractures due to decreased bone density and increased bone resorption.
  • Osteomalacia: Low levels of calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D can indicate osteomalacia, a condition where bones soften due to improper mineralization.
  • Paget’s Disease: Elevated ALP and markers of bone turnover like CTX can suggest Paget’s disease, a condition where bones become abnormally shaped and weak.
  • Hyperparathyroidism: High calcium, high PTH, and sometimes low phosphate levels are indicative of hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands cause excessive bone breakdown.
  • Bone Cancer: Bone-specific markers (like BSAP) and ALP may be elevated in bone cancer or metastatic bone disease.

A Bone Screen Blood Test helps in diagnosing and monitoring a range of conditions that affect bone strength, structure, and mineral metabolism, providing valuable information for managing bone health.

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