Osteocalcin (Bone-Specific)
This test measures osteocalcin, a protein produced by bone cells that helps regulate calcium metabolism. It reflects the activity of bone formation and can indicate bone health or turnover.
["Osteocalcin helps assess bone formation and may signal bone disease or healing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78932-1
- Short code
- OCT performed
- Synonyms
- OCT performed
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86430
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Osteocalcin Used For?
Osteocalcin is primarily used to evaluate bone metabolism and diagnose conditions affecting bone formation, such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, or certain cancers that impact bone turnover. It can also help monitor treatment responses in patients undergoing bone-healing therapies.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure osteocalcin levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your test order.
What Does a Result Mean?
While reference ranges vary by lab, higher than expected levels may suggest increased bone formation (e.g., due to fractures, certain cancers, or hormonal imbalances). Lower levels could indicate reduced bone formation or conditions like hypoparathyroidism. Results should always be interpreted by your healthcare provider.
Is There Any Risk?
The blood draw is generally safe, but you may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the site. Rarely, there could be minor bleeding or infection, though serious complications are uncommon.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Osteocalcin is a biomarker of bone formation activity. Elevated levels may signal hyperactive bone growth (e.g., in metastatic bone disease, hyperparathyroidism, or fractures), while suppressed levels could indicate conditions like hypogonadism or chronic kidney disease that slow bone formation. It’s often used alongside other markers (like alkaline phosphatase) to assess bone turnover.
Short name
Bone Turnover Marker
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy