Bone Marker - 1

A Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.

A Serum Calcium test measures the levels of calcium in the body. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body; most of it is present in the bones and teeth, and the remaining portion (around 1%) is found in the blood. It is usually present in two forms in blood in about equal amounts: "bound calcium," which is attached to proteins in the blood, and "free calcium or ionized calcium," which is not attached to any protein. 

A Serum Calcium test cannot be used to check for lack of calcium in your diet or osteoporosis (loss of calcium from bones) as the body can have normal calcium levels even in dietary calcium deficiency. Moreover, the body can normalize mild calcium deficiency by releasing the calcium stored in bones.

A Vitamin D Total test measures the level of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in your body. This test is an appropriate indicator of the total Vitamin D storage in the body. A vitamin D total test is also recommended in case of abnormal calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels. Individuals with abnormal vitamin D levels become prone to heart diseases, high blood pressure, immune system disorders, different types of cancers (prostate, breast, and colon), and various infectious diseases like influenza, tuberculosis, sepsis, etc. All these reasons make it more important for individuals to keep a check on their vitamin D levels. 

An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the quantity of ALP enzyme present throughout the body. The main sources of this enzyme are the liver and bones. It exists in different forms depending on where it originates, such as liver ALP, bone ALP, and intestinal ALP. In the liver, it is found on the edges of the cells that join together to form bile ducts. 

ALP levels can be increased during pregnancy as it is found in the placenta of pregnant women. It is also higher in children because their bones are in the growth phase. ALP is often high during growth spurts (a short period when an individual experiences quick physical growth in height and body weight).

A Phosphorus, Serum test is used to evaluate the level of phosphorus in your blood. Phosphorus is an inherent component of all living cells in the system and most, 85 percent, is located in the tissues of bones and teeth, while the remaining 15 percent is part of the blood and other soft tissues. Your body obtains its daily phosphorus requirements through dietary sources and under normal conditions, once the necessary amounts of phosphorus are absorbed by the cells and tissues, the remaining is eliminated via the urine.

Besides consuming a wholesome diet enriched with sufficient amounts of phosphorus, it is also important to ensure ample intake of calcium and vitamin D, to maintain overall health.

A PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) test measures the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood. PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. PTH levels are regulated by a feedback loop with calcium in the blood. Low calcium stimulates PTH release, and high calcium inhibits it. Problems like tumors or damage to the parathyroid glands can disrupt this balance, leading to abnormal PTH levels.

Monitoring of PTH levels is important in managing disorders affecting bone and mineral metabolism, and PTH (Intact Parathyroid Hormone) test helps assess the function of parathyroid glands and diagnose conditions related to calcium and phosphorus imbalance.

A Serum Albumin test measures the level of albumin protein in your blood. Albumin is one of the major proteins found in your body; about 60% of the total protein is made up of albumin, which is produced by the liver. It helps carry small molecules, such as hormones, vitamins, minerals, and medicines, throughout the body. It also serves as a source of amino acids for tissue metabolism. Albumin helps stop the fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels. When the albumin level is insufficient, the fluid can leak out of your blood vessels and build up in your lungs, belly, or other parts of your body.