N-Telopeptide, Cross-Links (NTx), serum

The NTx blood test measures the concentration of cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen. Bone is made up largely of type-I collagen, a protein network that gives bone its strength and framework, and calcium phosphate, a mineralized complex that hardens the bone.

Throughout a person’s lifetime, old bone is constantly being removed (resorption) and replaced with new bone (formation) to maintain a healthy bone structure. Levels of NTx correlate with the rate of bone resorption. Bone resorption rates exceeding bone formation result in a net loss of bone and ultimately osteopenia or osteoporosis.

• Sample of blood serum
• We perform the test every Thursday