Bone Health Sensor

Bone Health Sensor is a genetic test using an oral swab that assesses inherited susceptibility to osteoporosis, a disease in which bones gradually lose mass and strength. The report also provides preventive recommendations and a genetic profile for some medicines. The test shows susceptibility, not the condition of your bones: bone density measurement (densitometry) shows how strong they are.

Who the test is intended for

• people whose mother, father, brother or sister has osteoporosis or has had a hip fracture;
• women approaching or after menopause who want to know their inherited susceptibility in addition to the standard assessment;
• people who want to plan prevention in good time: diet, physical activity, vitamin D and check-ups;
• people being or going to be treated with osteoporosis medicines who are interested in their genetic profile for those medicines.

If you have had a fracture after a minor fall, take corticosteroids long-term or are postmenopausal with other risk factors, the first steps are discussing this with your doctor and having densitometry, for which the doctor refers you. A genetic test cannot replace the measurement.

What the test reveals

According to the test description, genetic characteristics associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and some other characteristics associated with this disease are analysed. Inheritance affects bone strength, but through many genes, each with a small effect. A genetic assessment alone therefore poorly predicts who will develop osteoporosis or a fracture. Age, sex, menopause, body weight, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and medicines provide more information.

The report also provides recommendations for maintaining bone strength and a profile of how different medicines might affect you. The connection between genes and the effects of osteoporosis medicines has not yet been confirmed in clinical practice, so the doctor selects medicine based on densitometry, fracture risk and other diseases.

What the test involves and how to prepare

The sample is an oral swab: a swab is passed several times over the inside of the cheek. The procedure is painless and brief, and no blood collection is required. For at least 30 minutes before swab collection, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. Genes do not change throughout life, so the test is performed once.

What your result means

• Increased genetic susceptibility does not mean that you have or will develop osteoporosis. It is a reason to agree with your doctor when to have densitometry and to follow measures that help bones: sufficient dietary calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise, no smoking and less alcohol.
• Average or lower susceptibility does not protect against osteoporosis. After menopause, at an older age or with some medicines, the risk increases for everyone.
• Show the medicine profile to your doctor. Do not change or stop medicines yourself.

The doctor interprets the report alongside your age, densitometry and blood results. Tests such as vitamin D, calcium, PTH and bone ALP do not measure bone density but help identify causes of its loss. Free genetic counselling is also available with the genetic test report.

How to arrange testing

The test is performed without a referral or appointment: a nurse takes the swab at any of our branches (listed on the Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Can a genetic test replace densitometry?

No. Densitometry measures how strong your bones are now, while the genetic test shows only inherited susceptibility. Treatment decisions are based on measurement and fracture risk.

Which blood tests tell me about bone health?

Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, PTH and bone ALP help identify disorders that weaken bones. Your doctor will decide which you need.

Can I reduce the risk if I have a susceptibility?

Yes. Weight-bearing activity, such as walking and strength exercises, sufficient calcium and vitamin D, stopping smoking and less alcohol help bones regardless of genes.

Is the test useful for men too?

Osteoporosis is more common in women but also affects men, particularly older men and those who take corticosteroids long-term. The same applies to them: the test shows susceptibility, while densitometry shows bone condition.