Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting is required. Biotin supplements may interfere with test results, so samples should be collected at least 8 hours after standard doses or 72 hours after mega-doses.
- Turnaround: 4 - 7 days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of osteocalcin, a protein produced by osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and deposited into the bone matrix, in your serum. Osteocalcin is directly measured as a quantitative concentration in your blood sample. It is also known as Bone GLA Protein, Bone Gamma-Carboxyglutamic Acid-Containing Protein, N-MID Osteocalcin, and BGLAP.
Osteocalcin is used as a biomarker of bone formation and bone turnover. The test reports the measured osteocalcin concentration itself, which is distinct from the bone diseases or conditions, such as osteoporosis, that a healthcare provider may use this result to help evaluate.
Benefits
- Measures serum osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation.
- Supports monitoring of bone turnover over time.
- Can help evaluate bisphosphonate treatment effectiveness.
- Offers a simple blood draw with no fasting required.
- Provides quantitative results your provider can review.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing bone or joint pain.
- People with an increased frequency of bone fractures.
- Individuals noticing bone deformities.
- People experiencing brittle teeth.
- Individuals being monitored for metabolic bone conditions.
- Those whose provider is tracking bisphosphonate treatment response.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures serum osteocalcin, a protein secreted by osteoblasts during bone formation. The result may help a healthcare provider evaluate bone turnover and monitor certain metabolic bone conditions. This is a single test and does not provide a complete evaluation of bone health on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may be considered by individuals experiencing bone or joint pain, frequent fractures, bone deformities, or brittle teeth. It may also be useful for people whose healthcare provider wants to monitor bone turnover or track the effectiveness of bisphosphonate therapy.
3. When should I order this test?
You may consider ordering this test if you are experiencing symptoms associated with bone disease, such as bone or joint pain, frequent fractures, delayed bone development, deformed bones, or brittle teeth. It may also be used to monitor bone turnover or follow up on bisphosphonate treatment. This test does not replace a full medical evaluation.
4. What does this test measure?
This test measures osteocalcin, a bone-related protein, directly in a serum sample as a quantitative concentration. It does not measure a ratio, index, or calculated value. Osteocalcin is the substance measured, while bone diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget disease, or rickets are conditions your provider may evaluate using this result alongside other clinical information.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test. If you take biotin supplements, they may interfere with results. For standard daily biotin doses, samples should be drawn at least 8 hours after your last dose. For mega-doses of biotin, samples should be drawn at least 72 hours after your last dose.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4 to 7 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
7. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your osteocalcin result depends on your individual symptoms, medical history, medications, supplements (including biotin), specimen quality, and other laboratory results. An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a bone condition, and a normal result does not rule one out. This concentration should not be treated as interchangeable with other bone markers or calculated values.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review any abnormal results with a qualified healthcare provider. This test does not diagnose a specific condition, and your provider may consider additional evaluation or testing based on your symptoms, history, and clinical judgment.
9. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider based on your individual health needs and monitoring goals.
Pre test preparation
No fasting is required. Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
