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Osteoporosis

The facts

The skeletal system ages with increasing age. It becomes brittle. Due to the hormonal changes during menopause, women are at greater risk than men.   
Bone ageing can be prevented. The more bone mass a person develops at a young age, the longer the bones remain strong as they get older. Proper calcium-rich diet (milk, cheese) and lots of physical exercise maintain strong bones, thus preventing osteoporosis. However, the loss of bone mass starting at approximately age 50 is inevitable. The progression of the loss is different from human to human. It is important to identify people with rapid bone loss early. Medical treatment can bring the loss under control. A large number of bone fractures can be prevented. The most common fractures are femoral neck fractures. However, in patients with advanced osteoporosis, other bone fractures occur as a result of otherwise harmless falls.  
In many cases, people with an increased bone loss rate can be identified based on the analysis of a urine specimen.

What we are testing:

The mailed in urine specimen is analysed for the bone resorption marker Pyridinoline, a degradation product of bone trabeculae.  

When should you take this test?

The analysis is suitable for every healthy human after the age of approximately 50. It is considered an analysis within the scope of the regular physical examination. It is crucial to have this analysis done as long as you are healthy.
The results are available within 3 - 4 days upon request of the test materials.

How to use this test? (to instructions)

For the determination of increased osteolysis, we require a urine specimen. It is important that the specimen is collected from the first urine in the morning. Please follow the instructions on the illustrations (pictograms), explaining the proper collection of specimens.

How and when will you receive the results?

You will receive the results within 3 days.

What happens if the results reveal an increased risk for osteoporosis?

We recommend that you visit the general practitioner. Because you can bring along the test results, s/he will be able to prescribe the proper medial treatment without delay after a brief examination.  

What happens if the results reveal that you are not suffering from increased osteolysis?

In this case we recommend repeating the examination in approximately 5 years.  
However, should you suffer from any symptoms involving your musculoskeletal system, please contact your general practitioner.

Additional information:

 

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