Bone Health Test Panel

About this test

This panel checks three markers that work together to regulate calcium balance and bone density. It's relevant if you have risk factors for osteoporosis or bone disease — such as older age, low vitamin D intake, limited sun exposure, prolonged steroid use, or kidney problems — or if you're monitoring a known bone condition.

No single test tells the full bone health story, which is why this panel combines a direct calcium measurement, vitamin D status, and the hormone that controls calcium — giving a much clearer picture than any one marker alone.

Components

• Calcium: Measures the level of calcium in your blood. Most of your body's calcium is stored in bones; the blood level is tightly regulated, and abnormal values may reflect issues with the parathyroid gland, kidneys, or vitamin D metabolism.
• Vitamin D (25-OH, Total): Reflects your overall vitamin D stores. Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium from your diet. Low levels are linked to weak bones (osteomalacia in adults, rickets in children) and poor calcium absorption.
• Parathyroid Hormone (Intact PTH): PTH is the main hormone that controls calcium levels. When calcium drops, the parathyroid gland releases PTH to pull calcium from bones and conserve it in the kidneys. Abnormal PTH levels alongside abnormal calcium point toward conditions like hyperparathyroidism, which can silently weaken bones over time.

Who is this test for?

Bone health testing is most relevant for postmenopausal women, adults over 50, people with a history of fractures from minor injuries, and those who have used corticosteroids (such as prednisone) long-term. Low dairy intake, limited sun exposure, a family history of osteoporosis, and a history of eating disorders are also common reasons to check. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density screening for all women at age 65.