Osteocalcin is a bone spesific protein found in osteoblasts(bone cells). Its function is to bind calcium in the bones to regenerate the bone tissue. It also has other functions like increasing the production of insulin by the pancreas, to adjust blood glucose levels, stimulating testosterone production, increasing muscle strength and improving brain function.
Interpretation: Low osteocalcin levels are linked with diabetes and insulin resistance, but the exact mechanism is not known. Low levels also increase the risk of heart associated diseases.In metabolic syndrome and chronic inflamation levels may also decrase.The main reason for an osteocalcin test is to monitor osteoporosis, along with bone mineral density scans. High blood levels point to bone loss, low bone density and fracture risk in older people, mostly because of bone resorption which is the breakdown of bone tissue that releases minerals and frees osteocalcin from the bones.
Sample: Arm vein blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Wednesday
Result Time: Same day 6:00 PM
