Bone Health Panel

Bone Health Panel

Bone Health Panel includes 5 blood tests: Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Calcium, Phosphorus, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Quantitative and Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Quantitative. Together they assess bone mineral metabolism and screen for inflammation and inflammatory joint disease.

Healthy bones and joints depend on the right balance of calcium and phosphorus and on bone turnover staying normal. The Bone Health Panel is a set of blood tests that checks this mineral balance and looks for inflammation that can damage joints.

What is the Bone Health Panel?

The Bone Health Panel offers 5 tests: Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Calcium, Phosphorus, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Quantitative and Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Quantitative. Calcium, phosphorus and ALP reflect bone mineral metabolism and bone turnover. CRP shows whether there is active inflammation in the body, and RF helps in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis.

This is a blood test panel. It does not measure bone mineral density; a BMD (DEXA) scan is a separate imaging test that your doctor may advise along with these tests.

When should you take the Bone Health Panel?

Consider this panel if you have bone or joint pain, morning stiffness or swollen joints, a history of fractures or low bone density, after menopause, on long-term steroid treatment, or when your doctor is monitoring calcium or vitamin D therapy.

What does the Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measure?

ALP is an enzyme made mainly by the liver and bones. A raised level can point to increased bone turnover, for example in healing fractures, Paget's disease or vitamin D deficiency, or to a liver problem.

What does the Calcium test measure?

The calcium test measures the calcium in your blood. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth and for normal nerve and muscle function. Abnormal levels can indicate parathyroid, kidney or vitamin D disorders.

What does the Phosphorus test measure?

The phosphorus test measures the phosphate level in your blood. About 85% of the body's phosphorus is in bones and teeth. It is interpreted together with calcium to assess bone and mineral disorders.

What does the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Quantitative test measure?

CRP is a protein the liver releases when there is inflammation. The quantitative test gives an exact level and helps doctors judge inflammation in conditions such as arthritis or infection.

What does the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Quantitative test measure?

Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that can attack the body's own tissues. A high level supports the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, read together with your symptoms and other tests.