Frequently Asked Questions

What are bone turnover markers, why are they important, and why should I use them to monitor my bone health?

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are a series of protein or protein derivative biomarkers released during bone remodeling by the cells that build up (osteoblasts) and break down (osteoclasts) bone. These markers serve as leading indicators as to what’s going on with your bones in between your DEXA scans. You no longer have to wait two years to see if your efforts are working.
Now you can see results in months so you’re not guessing if the things you’re doing are helping or hurting your bones. If you’re concerned that you’re actively losing bone right now, OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test helps identify bone loss so you can address the underlying issues and stop bone loss in its tracks to prevent future fractures.

Reference: Bone Turnover Markers in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Metabolic Bone Disease
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549920/)

Why use OsteoIQ™ instead of just going through my doctor?

Yes, you should absolutely work with your doctor. But, if a doctor doesn’t understand the interpretation of a test, they are less likely to order it for you. They may refer you out to a specialist, but that specialist may not order the test either. A lot of time can be lost in this process of trying to get bone turnover markers and the other tests offered by OsteoIQ™. OsteoIQ™ simplifies this process by making these tests easy, affordable, and accessible so you don’t waste the most precious thing we have — time.

How will my bone turnover marker test results & OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test be affected if I’ve already had a fracture?

Bone turnover markers (CTX & P1NP) can be elevated for anywhere from 4 to 12 months after a fracture. Hip fracture leads to the most pronounced elevation, while a fracture of the foot or hand may not lead to as significant of an elevation. With that said, you will still want to get a baseline OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test measurement now, so you can monitor future changes and fracture healing over time.

Reference: Effect of fracture on bone turnover markers: a longitudinal study comparing marker levels before and after injury in 113 elderly women.
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17488197/)

How frequently should I get my bone turnover markers and OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test run?

If you are/were actively losing bone, measure your serum CTX and P1NP bone turnover markers every 3-6 months until these markers improve (this can help prevent surprises at your next bone density scan). If they are not improving, there is still a root cause issue that needs to be addressed. In order to get to the root of the issues causing bone loss, we recommend visiting bonecoach.com, our trusted resource for natural bone health solutions and programs for stronger bones.

The recommended OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test frequency we find that is most helpful for our clients is as follows:

  • Get your baseline measurement today.
  • If you are actively losing bone, get your test again in 3-6 months to see if you’re improving.

  • Test 3 months into the use of a medication or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (if applicable).
  • Test when stopping a medication and before transitioning to another.
  • Test at each year mark (every 12 months minimum).

Should I complete my OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test while fasted?

Yes. You should complete your OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test while fasted. Bone turnover is highest in the early morning and decreases significantly by lunchtime. Additionally, meals suppress bone turnover markers, particularly bone resorption. So, getting them earlier in the day, while fasted, is preferred.

What do I do if my results show that I’m still actively losing bone?

There could be many reasons that bone loss is taking place, and oftentimes it’s more than just hormones. In order to get to the root of the issues causing bone loss, we recommend visiting bonecoach.com, our trusted resource for natural bone health solutions and programs for stronger bones.

Also, if you are still actively losing bone present day, get on a subscription for the OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test every 3 to 6 months until those markers improve. Once they improve within the proper range, and you can see bone resorption coming down, bone formation coming up, and the ratio between the two improving, you can drop to an OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring Test every 12 months.

Is OsteoIQ™ covered by insurance?

At this time OsteoIQ™ is not covered by insurance, which means no deductibles, no co-pays and no surprise bills! That said, with ongoing support from clients like you dedicated to improving their bone health long term, it may be a possibility in the future. For now, though, don’t let this hold you up from getting the crucial information you need to stop losing and start improving your bones today.

Is OsteoIQ™ covered by HSA/FSA?

While our lab tests are purchased out-of-pocket, they may be eligible for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA. We recommend checking with your specific provider to confirm eligibility. Upon purchase, we can provide documentation to submit your testing for reimbursement. For our OsteoIQ™ Optimal Genomics test, we will provide a detailed receipt and description of the lab test. For our OsteoIQ™ Active Monitoring, Active Bone Loss and Bone Builder tests we will provide a detailed receipt and signed lab requisition form.

What is your refund policy?

Because of the nature of the service, all sales are final and no refunds will be issued. This is due to the non-refundable ordering fees and the physician fees associated with signing test requisitions. We strive to provide all necessary documentation for HSA/FSA reimbursement, but we cannot offer refunds once the purchase is completed. Please review your order carefully and find the closest Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics facility before finalizing your purchase.

Is OsteoIQ™ HIPAA compliant?

The OsteoIQ™ test results portal is compliant with all HIPAA guidelines to protect personal health information and ensure data privacy and security.

How does OsteoIQ™ protect my genetic information?

OsteoIQ™ takes data privacy seriously. We never sell your genetic information or test data. All data is encrypted in multiple layers and is separated from identifying information. When the data comes together for interpretation within the online portal it remains encrypted.

What research do you use to provide the results of my OsteoIQ™ Optimal Genomics Test and OsteoIQ™ Score?

Our research team manually reviews and interprets thousands of studies, combining them into algorithms to provide accurate and reliable insights. We carefully evaluate study size and quality, ensuring that meaningful data from larger, more robust studies are appropriately weighted. This is unlike other genetic tests that use AI or computer technologies to analyze research, which can produce random misinterpretations. We continuously update our reports with new research to ensure they stay current and relevant. Rest assured, OsteoIQ™ Scoring is ethically weighted by the evidence.