Osteocalcin Test

Osteocalcin is a protein that is found in teeth and bones. This protein is secreted by bone- building cells, which are called osteoblasts, and is deposited by the body inside the bone matrix. Serum Osteocalcin is the proportion of total Osteocalcin produced that is not placed inside the bone matrix. In human body, Osteocalcin is seen as a biochemical marker, or biomarker, for the process of bone formation. High levels of serum osteocalcin have been found to be thee root cause f many bone diseases. Bone turnover and osteoporosis are results of high serum osteocalcin. Osteocalcin blood test is required to measure the level of serum osteocalcin in the body.

Blood sample is collected for osteocalcin blood test. A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the site of collection. The collection site is usually the superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit. The site will be cleared with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the site of needle injection. The vein is then penetrated using the needle. Once the required amount of blood sample is collected, the wrap band is removed and a gauze is placed on the collection site. The blood is transferred to a container having appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant.

The osteocalcin blood test is sued for diagnosis of various bone diseases. Bone pain, loss of height, joint pain, bulging chest, easily fractured bones, and even enlargement of face and extremities can be diagnosed using the osteocalcin blood test. Osteoporosis, acromegaly, Hyperparathyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Osteomalacia and Paget’s disease can also be diagnosed with this test. All these are pointed out by high levels of serum osteocalcin. Multiple myeloma and cirrhosis of liver can be diagnosed if the level of serum osteocalcin is low in patients. In short, osteocalcin blood test is a little invasive way that helps in diagnosis and treatment of various bone-related diseases.

Usually, the patients are not asked to do any elaborate preparations. Fasting is not required for this test. However, all kinds of medications that a patient may be taking can be continued. Since this process involves collection of blood sample, one must get the site of needle injection cleaned by 70% alcohol solution. This a little invasive technique. Moreover, patients must inform thee doctors of any allergy or disease that they are suffering from. Prior information to the doctor helps to avoid any complications due to the treatment process and makes the process safe for the patients.