Collagen Cross-Linked N-Telopeptide (NTx), Urine

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

CCNTEL

Alias/See Also

36167;
Collagen Cross (urine);
N-Telopeptide (urine);
NTX (urine)

CPT Codes
82523, 82570

Includes

Creatinine

Preferred Specimen

2 mL urine from second morning void submitted in a leak-proof container, no preservative

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Random urine, catheterized, or first morning void clean catch, submitted in a leak-proof urine container, no preservative

Instructions

Do not use preservatives. Acidified specimen is not acceptable. Second morning void urine: Discard the first morning void. Collect the second morning void. Mix well.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Acidified specimen • Preserved specimen

Methodology
Chemiluminescence (CL)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

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.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.