Osteoporosis and the Clinical Laboratory

Author: Lynne Brodeur, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Clinical Chemistry/UA/Toxicology): 1 hour(s)

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Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in the United States. It is a skeletal disease in which the bones become brittle and prone to fracture. This course discusses the clinical background and epidemiology of osteoporosis. Various risk factors as well as signs and symptoms are presented. The traditional screening recommendations along with the current biochemical markers for osteoporosis are discussed in this course.

Objectives

  • Discuss the clinical background of osteoporosis.
  • Discuss the epidemiology of osteoporosis, based on age, sex, race, and other factors.
  • Identify the three types of osteoporosis.
  • Identify the various risk factors for osteoporosis.
  • Describe the signs and symptoms of osteoporosis.
  • List the various screening recommendations established for osteoporosis.
  • Discuss the clinical results.

Course Outline

  • The clinical background of osteoporosis.
    • Clinical Background
  • Bones
    • Function of Bones and the Role of Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts
    • Function of Bones and the Role of Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts (cont'd)
    • What is the most common metabolic bone disease in the United States?
    • True or False: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease in which bone density increases to the point that fractures occur without severe stress or injury to the bones.
  • Epidemiology of osteoporosis
    • Epidemiology
    • Epidemiology, continued
    • Epidemiology, continued
    • Male Statistics
    • In the United States, osteoporosis is an issue for 24 million Americans. What are some of the most common types of fractures that result from this disease?
    • Jane is an 80-year-old female with osteoporosis, and John is an 80-year-old male. Why does Jane have osteoporosis and John does not?
  • The Three Types of Osteoporosis
    • Type 1
    • Type 2
    • Type 3
    • Mary is a 56-year-old menopausal woman who also has a disorder of her parathyroid glands. Given her condition which two substances have the potential to contribute to a possible osteoporosis condition for her in the future?
    • Vivian is a 62-year-old postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis. Other than this, she is in excellent health and takes no medications. Given her age and menopausal status, which type of osteoporosis would she best fit?
  • Risk factors associated with osteoporosis
    • Gender/Age and Race
    • Family History and Bone Structure
    • Medications (Glucocorticoids)
    • Medications (Breast & Prostate Cancer Drugs)
    • Medications (Acid Reflux)
    • Medications (Hormone Based)
    • Medications (Anti-Seizure & Diuretics)
    • Medications (Other)
    • Smoking
    • Jack is a 66-year-old male who has been taking prednisone 7.5 mg daily for the past year. Is he at risk of developing osteoporosis?
    • True or False: Smoking is a risk factor associated with osteoporosis.
  • Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis
    • Signs & Symptoms
    • Some of the subtle signs of osteoporosis include which of the following?
  • Established screening recommendations for osteoporosis
    • Screening Recommendations - Who Should Be Screened
    • Types of Screening
    • FRAX (WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool)
    • Gold Standard of Screening
    • BMD (Bone Mineral Density) Interpretation
    • Gladys is a 65-year-old female who is at her physician's office for her annual physical exam. Her physician wants to screen her for osteoporosis given her age and postmenopausal status. What laboratory tests should he order for this screening?
    • Gladys had laboratory tests (serum calcium and Vitamin D) to screen for osteoporosis. These results have come back increased. What laboratory tests should her physician order next in order to help aid in his diagnosis?
  • Clinical results
    • Biomarkers of Bone Turnover
    • The "Peptides"
    • TRAP & Osteocalcin
    • Clinical Laboratory Tests and Results
    • Which of the following tests is the most sensitive marker of bone formation?
    • Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is a version of ________ produced by osteoclasts.
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author information: Lynne Brodeur, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, holds a master of arts degree in teaching. She is a full-time lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and works per diem in Clinical Chemistry at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, MA.
Reviewer information: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.