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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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COLLAGEN CROSS-LINKED N-TELOPEPTIDE (NTX), URINE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2056    Geisinger Epic ID:  18874

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Urine


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL unpreserved random urine; minimum 1 mL


Special notes: 

For random urine or second morning void urine: Discard the first morning void. Collect the second morning void.


Patient preparation: 

See Special Notes regarding first morning void.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Mix well and aliquot 2 mL random urine.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (preferred) or frozen.


Specimen stability: 

Room Temperature: 72 hours. Refrigerated: 5 days. Frozen: 30 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded. Acidified urine, preserved urine.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  82523, 82570
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Measurement of the cross-linked N-telopeptides of bone type I collagen (NTx); creatinine.


Methodology: 
Chemiluminescence
Synonyms: 

OSTEO, Collagen Cross-Linked N-Telopeptide, N-Telopeptide or NTx, Quest test code 36167


Clinical significance: 

NTx is useful to assess bone resorption in patients with metabolic bone disease. The test is also useful in monitoring therapy to slow or halt osteoporotic bone loss. A decline of 30% or more of NTx over a six-month period suggests effective therapy.


Review Date:  11/21/2024

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