Crescent is pioneering the use of nail (keratin) as a surrogate marker for bone quality (collagen). We are currently developing BQT^®, a prognostic test for early and accurate assessment of hip fracture risk. Our fully automated test instrument is designed for use by reference labs, using patient samples sent in by clinicians.

The BQT^® test instrument uses Raman Spectroscopy to analyze the chemical bonds in a toenail sample. Crescent’s research has shown that the structure and quantity of these chemical bonds is indicative of future hip fracture risk:

The proteins in human nail (keratin) and bone (collagen) require sulphation and disulphide bond (S–S) formation for structural integrity and disorders of either sulphur metabolism or cystathione beta-synthase can lead to structural abnormalities in these tissues. Raman protein spectra provide a method of non-invasive measurement of the degree of sulphation of structurally related proteins that may be indicative of bone health¹.

The prognostic outcome of the test is further enhanced by its use in conjunction with additional clinical risk factors. Crescent’s proprietary algorithm converts the BQT® score as well as the clinical risk factors into a 10 year % risk of fracture. A physician will be able to use this result in conjunction with an overall assessment to ascertain a patient’s fracture risk and where appropriate, select the required treatment options.

1. Raman spectroscopy of the human nail: A potential tool for evaluating bone health?  Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, Volume 18, Number 5, 759-763, DOI: 10.1007/s10856-006-0018-9