WHAT IS OSTEOTEST?

The OsteoTest is a pioneering urine test designed to assess the risk of osteoporosis. It provides valuable insights into your bone health, helping you understand whether you are at risk of developing osteoporosis-a condition that can lead to fragile bones and an increased likelihood of fractures.

Who Should Consider Taking the Test?

The OsteoTest is suitable for anyone interested in gaining a clearer understanding of their bone health. This test is particularly beneficial for those who may be at higher risk of osteoporosis, such as post-menopausal women, individuals who have experienced early menopause, or those whose menstrual periods have ceased for extended periods at a younger age. Additionally, those with conditions like Thyroid Disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Coeliac Disease, as well as individuals taking medications like glucocorticoids, may find the test especially useful.

Understanding your bone health is crucial because one in three women and one in five men are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Often referred to as a “silent condition,” osteoporosis can progress unnoticed until a painful fracture occurs. While everyone experiences some loss of bone density as they age, typically peaking around 30 years old, various factors can accelerate this process, making it important to assess your risk early.

Taking the OsteoTest allows you to determine if you are losing calcium and whether your bone health aligns with what is expected for your age. Early detection is key, as it enables you to take proactive measures to support your bone health before osteoporosis fully develops.

For those already diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, the test can also evaluate whether current lifestyle changes or medications are effectively maintaining your calcium levels and bone density.

Benefits of the OsteoTest

The OsteoTest offers several advantages:

• Convenience – The test can be easily conducted in the comfort of your own home.
• Safety – As a urine test, it poses no radiation risk.
• Effectiveness – It is a proven, highly sensitive method for identifying osteoporosis risk well before fractures occur, allowing you to take preventive action.

However, it’s important to note that the OsteoTest is not recommended for individuals with known kidney issues.

What Does The Kit Include?

The OsteoTest kit comes with everything you need to complete the test:

• Detailed instructions on how to perform the test.
• A ‘self-disclosure’ form to provide your medical history.
• A prepaid return envelope for sending your sample to the lab.
• A urine collection cup and monovette for the sample.
• A secure container to ensure the safe transport of your sample to the laboratory.

What is the process?

*The test should be taken FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. **The sample can be put in any Royal Mail Post Box.

What Will The Report Tell Me?

Once the test is complete, you’ll receive a comprehensive report that includes:

• A detailed analysis of your urine sample.
• A clear conclusion presented in a “traffic light” format, with three graphs and explanatory notes to help you understand the results.
• Your FRAX score, which indicates your 10-year risk of developing osteoporosis, calculated using a tool developed by the University of Sheffield. This internationally recognised calculator is familiar to clinicians and helps in making informed decisions about your bone health.

The report will also provide general information about osteoporosis and suggest potential measures to support your bone health.

What Should You Do Next?

Depending on your results, it may be beneficial to discuss your OsteoTest findings with your pharmacist, who can recommend suitable supplements to help strengthen your bones. Additionally, you might want to consider lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing alcohol intake and incorporating appropriate exercises, to further support bone health.

If the test indicates that you may have already developed osteoporosis, it’s advisable to consult your GP or a rheumatologist for further evaluation and to discuss possible treatment options.

For more detailed information on osteoporosis, including its diagnosis and treatment, we recommend visiting the websites of The National Osteoporosis Society and the NHS.

Service Details

The OsteoTest service is available for £149.00. To find out more or to purchase a kit, visit your nearest pharmacy.

Location: Find your nearest pharmacy