Ulta Lab Tests

Bone Health Test Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Also known as: "Biointact" PTH, Intact PTH, Parathyroid Hormone , Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), PTH, PTH Intact without Calcium

PARATHYROID HORMONE,

PTH stands for parathyroid hormone. It is a protein hormone released by the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid hormone controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. Release of PTH is controlled by the level of calcium in the blood. Low blood calcium levels cause increased PTH to be released, while high blood calcium levels block PTH release.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D2

Vitamin D2 ((ergocalciferol,) is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D2 is effective when it is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D3

Vitamin D3 (cholecalcifero) which comes from animals. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D3 are is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Bone Health Test Panel panel contains 3 tests with 6 biomarkers .

The Bone Health Test Panel is designed to assess key factors influencing bone metabolism and health. This panel evaluates crucial nutrients and hormonal levels that are fundamental in maintaining bone density and strength. It is used primarily to diagnose conditions affecting bone integrity and to monitor the effectiveness of treatments aimed at improving bone health.

When and Why the Bone Health Test Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers may order the Bone Health Test Panel for individuals showing signs of bone weakness, such as frequent fractures, or in those with risk factors for osteoporosis or other bone metabolic disorders. It is also commonly ordered for elderly patients, postmenopausal women, and individuals with known nutritional deficiencies or who are undergoing treatment for bone-related conditions. The panel helps in the early detection and prevention of severe bone diseases by monitoring vital components that affect bone health.

What the Bone Health Test Panel Checks For

The Bone Health Test Panel focuses on evaluating the body's levels of essential elements and hormones critical for bone formation and maintenance:

  • PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), Intact plus the Calcium test: These tests measures the level of intact parathyroid hormone and calcium in the blood. PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels, which is vital for proper bone metabolism. Abnormal levels of PTH and calcium can indicate parathyroid disorders or metabolic bone diseases.
  • Vitamin D Total with D2 and D3: Vitamin D is essential for bone health as it facilitates the absorption of calcium. This test measures the total levels of vitamin D in the body, including D2 (obtained from dietary sources) and D3 (synthesized by the skin). Adequate levels of vitamin D are critical for maintaining proper bone structure and function.

Understanding Key Indicators: PTH, Calcium, and Vitamin D Test Results:

This table presents an organized overview of the typical results for Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Calcium, and Vitamin D tests across various medical conditions. By examining these results, healthcare providers can gain insights into potential underlying disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, renal failure, and others, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective management. Each row represents a different condition, showing how these crucial biomarkers interact and what their combined test outcomes might indicate about a patient's health.

Condition Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Test Results Calcium Test Results Vitamin D Test Results
Primary Hyperparathyroidism Elevated PTH Elevated Calcium Often Decreased
Hypercalcemia of Malignancy PTH within or below the reference range Elevated Calcium Variable
Renal Failure Elevated PTH Decreased Calcium Often Decreased
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Elevated PTH Decreased Calcium Decreased
Hypoparathyroidism Decreased PTH Decreased Calcium Normal or Variable

This expanded table provides a more comprehensive overview of the typical test results for parathyroid hormone, calcium, and vitamin D across different related conditions.

 

Conditions and Diseases Detected by the Bone Health Test Panel

This panel is instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring various bone-related conditions:

  • Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones that are more susceptible to fracture. The panel helps detect early signs of bone mineral loss and can assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at improving bone density.
  • Hyperparathyroidism: This condition results from excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels, which can weaken bones. Measuring PTH and calcium levels helps diagnose this condition and guide treatment decisions.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D impair calcium absorption, leading to bone softening diseases such as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. The test for vitamin D levels can confirm deficiency and guide supplementation recommendations.

Utilizing the Bone Health Test Panel in Treatment and Monitoring

For each condition detected by the panel:

  • Osteoporosis: Results from the panel guide interventions such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and medications that help improve bone density and prevent fractures.
  • Hyperparathyroidism: Monitoring PTH and calcium levels helps evaluate the response to treatments aimed at reducing parathyroid hormone production and managing the associated bone loss.
  • Vitamin D Deficiency: Correcting vitamin D deficiency is crucial for improving bone health. Test results are used to adjust dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake to ensure adequate absorption of calcium and promotion of bone mineralization.

Conclusion

The Bone Health Test Panel serves as a fundamental diagnostic and monitoring tool in the management of various bone conditions. By providing detailed insights into the levels of key nutrients and hormones, it helps healthcare professionals devise and adjust treatment plans that significantly enhance bone health outcomes, thereby reducing the risk of fractures and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Customer Reviews