What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being treated for osteoporosis or another bone-thinning condition and need to know if your treatment is working. It's also useful if you've been told you have low bone density and want to track how quickly your bones are breaking down. Instead of waiting months for a bone density scan, this urine test can show changes in bone breakdown much sooner.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your NTx value and an explanation of what's considered a normal range. If your number is elevated, simple next steps include reviewing your calcium and vitamin D intake, staying active with weight-bearing exercise, and rechecking levels after about 3-6 months to see if bone loss has slowed. You can download a standard lab report anytime, and the trends feature lets you compare this result to future tests to see if your treatment or lifestyle changes are working.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone currently on osteoporosis treatment who wants to confirm it's working, since a drop of 30% or more within six months signals effective therapy. It's also worth considering if you have risk factors for bone loss, like being postmenopausal, having a family history of osteoporosis, or taking medications that weaken bones. People who've had a low-impact fracture and want to understand their bone turnover may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Bone loss often has no obvious symptoms early on, which is why this test is helpful even before you notice anything. Signs worth paying attention to include a fracture from a minor fall, gradual loss of height, a stooped posture, or back pain that could be linked to a weakened spine. If you've already been diagnosed with low bone density, tracking bone breakdown with this test can help even without new symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your account where you can view and download them. You'll be able to see your NTx value alongside the reference range so you understand exactly where you stand.

How can I naturally support bone health?

Getting enough calcium and vitamin D through food or supplements is one of the most effective everyday steps for bone strength. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, hiking, or light strength training encourage your body to maintain bone density. Cutting back on smoking and excess alcohol also helps, since both speed up bone breakdown over time.

What does high NTx mean?

A high NTx level means your body is breaking down bone tissue faster than normal, which over time can lead to weaker bones and higher fracture risk. This is common in osteoporosis, especially if it's untreated or treatment isn't working as well as hoped. If your number is high, it's worth focusing on calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing activity, then retesting in a few months to see if the trend improves.

What causes high NTx levels?

Common causes include osteoporosis, menopause-related hormone changes, certain thyroid conditions, and long-term use of medications like steroids. Being inactive or not getting enough calcium and vitamin D can also speed up bone breakdown. In some cases, other bone-related conditions can contribute, so a rising trend over multiple tests is more meaningful than a single result.

How often should I retest?

Many people on osteoporosis treatment retest every 3 to 6 months to see whether their NTx level has dropped by 30% or more, which suggests the therapy is working. If you're not on treatment but tracking bone health, testing once or twice a year may be enough. Your retesting schedule should match how quickly you and your lifestyle changes might affect bone turnover.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your NTx comes back high, start by looking at calcium and vitamin D intake, adding weight-bearing exercise, and cutting back on smoking or heavy alcohol use if those apply to you. Keep an eye on the trend by retesting in a few months rather than reacting to one result alone. If you notice new symptoms like unexplained fractures or bone pain, seek medical care promptly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

NTx Urine Test - Osteoporosis Treatment Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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