Osteocalcin Blood Test

Osteocalcin Blood Test

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Laboratory Procedures
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJun 11, 2019

What are other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • BGP Blood Test
  • Bone G1a Protein Blood Test
  • G1a Protein Blood Test

What is Osteocalcin Blood Test? (Background Information)

  • Osteocalcin is a protein found in bones. It is made by osteoblasts, which are special cells that build and maintain bone matrix. Osteocalcin is needed for bone mineralization and bone formation
  • Osteocalcin levels help give an estimate of bone metabolism. A small amount of osteocalcin is released in blood. Increased levels indicate abnormally high bone degradation, common with bone disorders such as osteoporosis
  • The Osteocalcin Blood Test helps determine the levels of osteocalcin in blood. It is used in conjunction with bone density scans to diagnose bone disorders such as osteoporosis

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Osteocalcin Blood Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing the Osteocalcin Blood Test:

  • Bone pain
  • Loss of height
  • Easily fractured bones and/or unusual fractures
  • Joint pain
  • Enlargement of the face and extremities
  • Bulging chest
  • Large tongue
  • Fatigue, headache
  • Joint stiffness

How is the Specimen Collected for Osteocalcin Blood Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Osteocalcin Blood Test:

Sample required: Blood 

Process of obtaining a blood sample in adults:

  • A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
  • The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
  • The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight
  • With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated using the needle
  • The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
  • The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed
  • The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
  • The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test.

What is the Significance of the Osteocalcin Blood Test Result?

The significance of the Osteocalcin Blood Test is explained:

  • A high level (greater than 11.5 ng/mL in men and 11 ng/mL in women) for the test may point to a diagnosis of the following conditions:
    • Bone fracture
    • Osteoporosis
    • Acromegaly
    • Bone cancer
    • Paget’s disease
    • Hyperparathyroidism
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Estrogen deficiency
    • Calcium deficiency
    • Osteomalacia
    • Kidney failure
  • A low level (less than 1.5 ng/mL in men and 0.5 ng/mL in women) for the test may point to a diagnosis of the following conditions:
    • Hypoparathyroidism
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Cirrhosis of the liver

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

  • It is normal for children between 10 and 16 years old, experiencing a growth spurt, to possess a high level of osteocalcin

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/bone-markers/

Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!