Collagen Cross‑Linked N‑Telopeptide (NTx), 24‑Hour Urine

Also known as: N-Telopeptide or NTx

Clinical Use

Use

NTx (collagen cross‑linked N‑telopeptide) in 24‑hour urine is useful in assessing bone resorption in patients with metabolic bone disease and in monitoring therapy aimed at slowing or halting osteoporotic bone loss. A decline of approximately 30% or more in NTx over a six‑month period is indicative of effective therapy. Reference ranges vary by age and sex, typically expressed as nM bone collagen equivalents per mM creatinine. These results are used primarily for monitoring treatment response in osteoporosis or similar metabolic bone disorders. ([jdos.nicholsinstitute.com](https://jdos.nicholsinstitute.com/dos/prismahealth/test/909418?utm_source=openai))

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

NTx results are affected by diurnal variation, which may influence interpretation. ([jdos.nicholsinstitute.com](https://jdos.nicholsinstitute.com/dos/prismahealth/test/909418?utm_source=openai))

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoassay (Chemiluminescence)

Biomarkers

Collagen Cross‑Linked N‑Telopeptide (NTx)

Analyte

NTx (24‑Hour Urine)

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Creatinine, 24‑Hour Urine

Analyte

Creatinine, 24‑Hour Urine

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Urine

Volume

2 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Container

24‑Hour Urine Container

Collection Instructions

Do not include first morning void. Collect all subsequent voids for a 24‑hour period; the last sample should be the first morning specimen the next day at the same time as the previous morning’s first voiding. Mix well. Record total volume on container and requisition. Keep refrigerated; acidified specimen not acceptable.