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Cross-linked N-telopeptide in urine
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Cross-Linked N-Telopeptide (NTx) is a marker used to assess bone breakdown activity. It is a fragment of collagen that is formed during the breakdown of bone tissue. When bones are broken down, collagen is released into the blood and eventually excreted in the urine.
Measuring NTx levels in urine can be a useful indicator for diagnosing and monitoring bone health and various bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Elevated NTx levels may indicate increased bone loss, which may be associated with osteoporosis or other bone diseases, Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism.
A decrease in NTx levels may indicate that treatments aimed at strengthening bones may be effective.
Urine NTx testing is usually performed in a laboratory setting and the results are interpreted by a physician. NTx levels may be assessed as normal, elevated, or decreased depending on the clinical context and the purpose of the test.
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