Manipal Hospital introduces new test for Bone Marker
* Serum Beta Crosslaps is faster in indicating response to treatment
** Manipal Hospital is the only centre in South India to offer this facility Bangalore, February 27, 2006: If you are being diagnosed for Osteoporosis (porous or brittle bones), the response to treatment can now be known within three to six months through a blood test called Serum Beta Crosslaps, which marks the bone turnover. Currently Manipal Hospital is the only centre in South India offering this facility. Osteoporosis, or porous and weak bone, is a disease characterised by low bone mass and structural change of bone, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the bones. Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD), which is the current standard for the diagnosis of Osteoporosis, is not a predictor of future bone density. “Bone markers can provide information about therapy success as early as three months after the start of therapy. In contrast, the assessment of therapy effectiveness with BMD is possible approximately two years after the start of therapy”, said Mr. Vijay Bhat, Chief Biochemist at Manipal Hospital. “This new test is definitely an extra feather in the cap of monitoring treatment response in Osteoporosis and is of great help”, said Dr. Somnath Mitra, Consultant Rheumatologist, Manipal Hospital. Combined with traditional and accepted ways to deal with Osteoporosis, this new test called β-Crosslaps measurement is now available at Manipal Hospital. “This is fast in detecting response to therapy than conventional testing of Bone Mineral Densitometry”, said Mr. Bhat. The assay of β-Crosslaps (in blood sample) is being performed at the biochemistry laboratory in Manipal Hospital. Mr. Bhat indicated, “Although bone growth ceases in early adult life, cellular activity in the bone, known as bone remodelling continues.
Issued by: For further information, contact:
D.K. Venktesh Mr. Vijay Bhat
Manager – Communications Chief Biochemist
Phone: 98454 50336 Phone:
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