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Crescent Diagnostic’s Bone Quality Test
(BQT®) utilises an observed link between fingernail protein structure
and bone health.
This surrogate marker enables bone structure
to be examined non-invasively.
The BQT® uses Raman spectroscopy to
analyse the human fingernail and assess bone health . This technique
uses a laser beam which is shone
on the fingernail for a few seconds. The reflected light provides information
on the chemical structure of the bonds in the fingernail.
Crescent has a comprehensive Intellectual Property
portfolio covering the biomarker and its application. It has also registered
trade marks and domain names.
Bone is made up of two materials, the hard
mineral phase and the rubbery collagen organic phase. Current Bone
Mineral Density tests (BMD) only
identify problems in the mineral phase caused by loss of bone mass.
The BQT® measures the chemical properties (microarchitecture)
of a subject’s
fingernails, which is a predictor of bone quality. Sulphur plays a
major role in maintaining the development of the body's proteins by
forming flexible disulphide bonds between certain amino acids and is
required for the strength of both nail and bone.
The microarchitecture is an excellent analogue
for bone quality due to the similarity of keratin in the fingernail and
type I collagen in
bone, both of which are used for structural strength. The BQT® assesses
the state of trabecular bone rather than cortical bone which is responsible
for
structure, cortical bone is responsible for bone mass.
By analysing the wavelengths of the reflected light, information on
the level and types of chemical bonds present can be obtained. This information
is then used to provide the assessment.
Raman spectroscopy is useful for chemical analysis
for the following reasons:
- It exhibits high accuracy and repeatability
- No sample preparation
is needed
- It is a cost effective technology
- It can be done rapidly
For further information, please
or contact us on:
Crescent Diagnostics Ltd.
Tel: + 44 20 3006 3107 |
