Patient's question:
Is testing for calcium and alkaline phosphatase in trace element analysis the same thing? Recently, a one-and-a-half-month-old baby has been found to have bald spots on the back of the head, and they are choking severely while drinking milk. Some people suspect calcium deficiency, so we had a trace element test done, and it showed no calcium deficiency. If there is a suspicion of hypocalcemia, what tests are needed? Is it an alkaline phosphatase test, which is part of the trace element analysis? Is this test the same as calcium in trace element analysis?Doctor's answer:
Hello, your child has, which indicates a calcium deficiency. It is recommended to supplement calcium for your child.Medical Advice: Hello, your child shows signs of calcium deficiency. Testing trace elements through hair analysis can provide more accurate results compared to blood tests, which reflect only recent dietary intake. If your child has recently consumed calcium-rich foods, the test may show no deficiency. It is still recommended to supplement calcium for your child using Diqiao Calcium Carbonate D3 Granules.
Bone-derived alkaline phosphatase (NBAP) is one of the phenotypic markers of osteoblasts. It can directly reflect the activity or functional status of osteoblasts and is currently the most specific reference indicator for early diagnosis and subclinical differentiation of pediatric rickets. It is also the best indicator for evaluating bone mineralization disorders in the human body.
Bone-derived alkaline phosphatase is secreted by bone tissue. When calcium salts precipitate insufficiently in the bones, the enzyme is secreted in higher amounts. Conversely, when calcium salts are sufficient in the bones, the enzyme secretion decreases. Therefore, it is used to help check for calcium absorption deficiency.
Reference value for alkaline phosphatase: ≤200 units/L. Testing the catalytic activity of bone-derived alkaline phosphatase in pediatric blood can help screen for or assist in diagnosing bone mineralization disorders caused by calcium malnutrition or other metabolic bone diseases due to various factors or etiologies.
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