Osteocalcin: Bone Gla Protein (BGP) Test & Procedure

This test is used to manage Osteopenia, osteoporosis and Paget's disease. This test aids in assessing the effect of anti-resorptive medicine.

It can also detect the turnover of bone in some medical conditions:

• Renal bone dystrophy
• Primary hyperparathyroidism
• Bone metastasis

What is Osteocalcin?

It is also known as Bone Gla protein. It is one of the proteins present in the Bone matrix. Osteoblasts are responsible for the generation of osteocalcin. This protein helps the formation of Bone. If its rate is altered, it is used in accessing osteoporosis in women. Osteocalcin is the most critical non-collagen protein in the bone matrix. It is found in abundance in the teeth and bones.

Paget's Disease

This is a bone disorder. In this disease, there is excessive breakdown of bone. Fractures constantly occur in the bones.

Causes

It happens due to environmental factors or genetics.

Osteoporosis

This disorder makes bones brittle and easily breakable. It becomes that brittle, and even on coughing, a fracture occurs. There is no bone formation, and only loss of bone is seen.

Uses of Osteocalcin Test

This test aids in the detection of bone disorders

This test is usually advised when the patient exhibits the following

• Low height
• Face enlargement
• Bone pain
• Fracture of bone.

This test is used for the diagnosis of various diseases like

• Hyperthyroidism
• Paget's disease
• Multiple myeloma
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Osteoporosis
• Acromegaly

Preparation for Osteocalcin Test

This test does not require any special requirements. Even fasting is not required. The patient only needs to inform the doctor about his medications. They are recommended to stop before the test.

Procedure for this test

• A tourniquet is tied around the arm, and the site is swabbed.
• The needle is pricked, and blood is taken out.
• The sample is now examined.