Osteocalcin – Bone Gla Protein (BGP) – BC145
🦴 Bone Turnover Marker
₹449
MRP ₹600
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC145
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC145
About this Test:
The Osteocalcin test (also known as Bone Gla Protein or BGP) measures the level of a protein found in bone and teeth. It is produced by osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and is a specific marker of bone formation and turnover.
✔ A key marker for assessing the rate of bone turnover.
✔ Used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for Osteoporosis.
✔ Helps in the evaluation of metabolic bone diseases like Hyperparathyroidism and Paget's disease.
✔ Fasting is recommended, and sample timing is important due to daily fluctuations.
The Osteocalcin test (also known as Bone Gla Protein or BGP) measures the level of a protein found in bone and teeth. It is produced by osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and is a specific marker of bone formation and turnover.
✔ A key marker for assessing the rate of bone turnover.
✔ Used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for Osteoporosis.
✔ Helps in the evaluation of metabolic bone diseases like Hyperparathyroidism and Paget's disease.
✔ Fasting is recommended, and sample timing is important due to daily fluctuations.
Osteocalcin: Tracking Bone Formation
Your bones are constantly being remodeled old bone is broken down (resorption) and new bone is formed. Osteocalcin is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in bone. It is synthesized by osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. Because it spills over into the bloodstream during this process, measuring serum Osteocalcin gives doctors a direct look at how active your bone-building cells are.
Clinical Significance
- Osteoporosis Monitoring: This is its most common use. When a patient starts treatment for osteoporosis (e.g., with antiresorptive drugs or anabolic agents), doctors use this test to see if the medication is working. A change in Osteocalcin levels can be detected much sooner (within months) than a change in bone density on a DEXA scan (which takes years).
- Metabolic Bone Disease: High levels indicate high bone turnover, seen in conditions like primary hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Paget's disease of the bone.
- Glucocorticoid Use: Long-term steroid use suppresses bone formation, leading to low Osteocalcin levels and increased fracture risk.
Important Note on Timing: Osteocalcin levels follow a circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning (around 4 AM) and dropping in the afternoon. Therefore, samples should ideally be collected in the morning for consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Osteocalcin?
Osteocalcin (or Bone Gla Protein) is a protein produced by bone-building cells (osteoblasts). It helps regulate bone mineralization and is a specific marker for bone formation activity.
Osteocalcin (or Bone Gla Protein) is a protein produced by bone-building cells (osteoblasts). It helps regulate bone mineralization and is a specific marker for bone formation activity.
Q2: Why did my doctor order this test?
It is typically ordered to monitor how well your osteoporosis treatment is working. It can also be used to check for other conditions affecting bone turnover, such as Paget's disease or hyperparathyroidism.
It is typically ordered to monitor how well your osteoporosis treatment is working. It can also be used to check for other conditions affecting bone turnover, such as Paget's disease or hyperparathyroidism.
Q3: What does a high Osteocalcin level mean?
High levels generally indicate a high rate of bone turnover. This can be seen in diseases like hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Paget's disease, or during rapid bone growth in children.
High levels generally indicate a high rate of bone turnover. This can be seen in diseases like hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Paget's disease, or during rapid bone growth in children.
Q4: What does a low Osteocalcin level mean?
Low levels suggest reduced bone formation. This is often seen in patients taking corticosteroids (like prednisone), in hypoparathyroidism, or growth hormone deficiency.
Low levels suggest reduced bone formation. This is often seen in patients taking corticosteroids (like prednisone), in hypoparathyroidism, or growth hormone deficiency.
Q5: Do I need to fast for this test?
Yes, an overnight fast (8-12 hours) is generally recommended. Additionally, because levels fluctuate during the day, it is best to have the sample drawn in the morning.
Yes, an overnight fast (8-12 hours) is generally recommended. Additionally, because levels fluctuate during the day, it is best to have the sample drawn in the morning.