Increased urinary type 1 collagen N-terminal telopeptide level

What it means

An increased concentration of type 1 collagen N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) level in the urine. Generally the test is performed over a period of time, for instance, 10 cc of morning urine can be collected following 12 hours overnight fasting or for 24 hours.

Telopeptides are tiny protein particles found particularly in type I collagen that include 15-20 amino acids. Telopeptides bound to the ends of these amino acids are removed from the body through the urine as a result of collagen metabolism. During resorption, amino and carboxyl terminal fragments, called telopeptides, are bound to collagens with cross links and can be released into the circulation and excreted in the urine. Some recent studies have demonstrated that the type 1 collagen N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) level is more specific to bone tissue than any other resorption markers.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Increased collagen crosslinked N-telopeptide [Moles/volume] in 24 hour urine · Increased urine NTx level