What Does a Bone Profile Blood Test Reveal About Your Bone Health?
Blood is a magical mixture of various nutrients like electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, etc. It is also responsible for transporting oxygen to every tissue and organ of the body. Examining a small drop of blood can infer a lot of information about your current health status, including bone health. This is why blood tests are the most favourite of doctors and health professionals!
In this blog, we will explore how bone profile blood tests help determine the structural strength of your body. But, before that it is essential to know what a bone profile blood test is. Keep reading below for details!
Bone profile blood test – A brief overview
It is a diagnostic test that quantifies and analyses the proteins, minerals and enzymes present in your bones. This helps ensure the bones are properly developing and functioning. Healthy bones help in maintaining proper posture, movement, and overall wellness. However, with age, bones lose their mineral content naturally, thus increasing the likelihood of fractures and bone pain.
Besides, a bone profile blood test is also beneficial for identifying and analysing certain bone disorders. Some of them are as follows:
- Osteoporosis: This is a very common issue to be faced by people, worldwide. It accounts to affect more than 3 million of UK people, annually. Osteoporosis is characterised by fragile and brittle bones which mainly happens due to loss in bone density. However, certain eating disorders, unhealthy lifestyle practices (like alcohol intake), hormonal problems, etc. can also lead to osteoporosis.
- Paget’s disease of bone: It is a bone disease that disrupts your bone turnover (or bone renewal) rate. Paget’s disease negatively affects the way in which newer bone tissue replaces the old ones. If your doctor suspects this condition, he may recommend getting additional Vitamin D test, alongside a bone profile blood test.
- Bone cancer: Although happens rarely, bone cancer can become morbid if left untreated for long. Common bone cancer symptoms are extreme bone pain, oedema and lumps. You will also find that bone have become more breakable.
- Thyroid issues and hepatic disease: In certain scenarios, a bone profile can also help diagnose thyroid problems. The thyroid gland (and the parathyroid gland) is responsible for balancing calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood (essential for maintaining bone health). Additionally, it can provide valuable insights into liver health as it produces a lot of essential enzymes and proteins in the body.
What parameters does the bone profile blood test evaluate? And what results are considered to be normal?
The bone profile blood test measures four main minerals in the blood. Here is a list of them (along with the reference ranges for each).
- Calcium: It is the primary component for bone formation and development. As per the NHS, the normal value range for calcium is between 2.2-2.6 mmol/L.
- Albumin: This is a protein which is produced in the liver; helping maintain blood volume, transport vital nutrients, etc. Presence of extreme low levels of albumin is associated with decreased bone density, and can be a confirmative test for osteoporosis. Standard range for albumin is 35-50 g/L.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme is found in the bone and hepatic cells, acting as an important indicator for bone and liver disorders. A standard range of this enzyme is 30-130 u/L (for adults).
- Phosphate: These are specific chemicals that have phosphorus mineral in them – a crucial component in bone growth. The normal values must fall between 0.74 and 1.4 mmol/L.
Additionally, a bone profile blood test can also test for urea, total proteins and globulin.
What Do I Need to Know about Taking the Test?
Bone profile blood test is a very simple and straightforward process. Your healthcare professional will first sterilise the area where the syringe is to be injected. A small amount of blood is then collected into a vial and sent off to the clinical laboratory for analysis. It may take around two to three days for result delivery.
However, before taking the test, certain guidelines need to be followed. If you are currently having calcium and Vitamin D supplements, pause them for a while before attending the test. This is because the medicines can interfere with your actual results.
Conclusion
Bone profile blood test is an evaluation that assists you in determining your risk for bone issues, liver complications, and hormonal irregularities. Examining the minerals and proteins present in your blood — especially calcium, phosphates, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase provides a very detailed overview of your bone health. So, if you suspect you might have osteoporosis or a comparable condition, feel free to schedule a test with any of your local private GPs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is a blood test for bone profile conducted?
As with all blood tests, your doctor will perform a bone profile blood test by collecting a small blood sample using a needle and syringe, which will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. In contrast to other blood tests, you do not need to fast prior to a bone profile blood test.
What is the purpose of undergoing a bone profile blood test?
Blood plays a crucial role in delivering minerals, vitamins, oxygen, and nutrients to every cell throughout your body. It also circulates through your bones, allowing for testing to assess the condition of your skeleton. As your skeleton supports your body, it is crucial to pay attention to its health, which is why a bone profile blood test is useful. A bone profile blood test is the only method to identify an individual’s risk of bone disease and/or cancer.
What conditions can be identified through a bone profile blood test?
A bone profile blood test can detect conditions and diseases like osteoporosis (impacting around 3 million individuals in the UK alone), Paget’s disease of bone, bone cancer, and potential issues with your thyroid and liver.
When can I take a bone profile blood test?
You must get a bone profile blood test only when the doctor recommends. This will be preceded by a comprehensive general health checkup, especially if there is a suspected condition or disorder. Many patients also choose to book through trusted services like Md.co.uk bone profile blood test for convenience and quick access.