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Bone Profile and calcium metabolism : a clinician's guide

The following table, "Bone Profile: A Clinician's Guide," offers an integrated understanding of bone profile tests. This resource is tailored to the UK's clinical units and guidelines. The table lists the standard test parameters and delves into the physiological basis behind these markers, emphasizing the role of critical hormones such as Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Vitamin D, and Calcitonin in calcium metabolism. This knowledge is fundamental for primary care clinicians and other medical professionals to accurately diagnose and manage bone-related disorders. Therefore, this guide aims to serve quick-reference tool for healthcare practitioners in primary care.


TestNormal Range (UK)Physiology and Role of HormonesInterpretationPossible Causes of Abnormalities
Calcium (Ca)2.2-2.6 mmol/LEssential for bone health; regulated by PTH and calcitonin↑ or ↓ suggests parathyroid, renal or malignancy issuesHyperparathyroidism, renal failure, cancers
Phosphate (PO4)0.8-1.5 mmol/LCrucial for bone mineralization; regulated by PTH↑ in renal failure, ↓ in malabsorptionCKD, malnutrition, vitamin D deficiency
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)30-130 U/LEnzyme involved in bone formation and turnover↑ often suggests bone turnover or liver diseasePaget's disease, osteomalacia, liver diseases
Magnesium (Mg)0.7-1.0 mmol/LCo-factor for enzymatic reactions; affects PTH secretion↑ or ↓ may indicate renal or...

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