In-Depth Interpretation of the Guideline for Osteoporosis Screening and Health Management in the Physical Examination Population (2026)

In today's era of accelerating population aging, osteoporosis has become a major public health issue threatening the health of middle-aged and elderly people. According to the "Guideline for Osteoporosis Screening and Health Management in the Physical Examination Population (2026)," the proportion of China's population aged 60 and above has reached 22%, and the prevalence of osteoporosis rises significantly with age — with postmenopausal women and elderly men being particularly high-risk groups. Faced with this severe situation, early screening and scientific management are especially important. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the guideline in the context of Hotgen Biotech's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel solution, helping readers better understand the screening and management of osteoporosis.

■ In-Depth Interpretation: Who Needs Osteoporosis Screening?

According to the guideline's recommendations, the following five groups should be regarded as priority targets for osteoporosis screening:

People aged ≥40: Osteoporosis is an age-related disease; bone mass loss accelerates after age 40, and screening helps detect problems early.

Postmenopausal women: Declining estrogen levels lead to increased bone resorption and rapid bone loss, making this a high-risk group for osteoporosis.

People with diabetes: Diabetic patients have impaired bone quality, increased bone fragility, and a significantly elevated risk of fractures.

Patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are often accompanied by systemic inflammation, and long-term glucocorticoid therapy makes these patients an important cause of secondary osteoporosis.

Sedentary people: Reduced physical activity means less mechanical stimulation on the bones, increasing the risk of bone mass decline.

■ Hotgen's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel: Precision Screening, Scientific Management

Hotgen Biotech's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel comprises intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin (BGP), total procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (Total P1NP), and β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTx). These markers are of significant value in assessing bone metabolism status and diagnosing osteoporosis and its underlying causes. In line with the guideline's recommendations, Hotgen's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel demonstrates unique value in osteoporosis screening and management.

Intact parathyroid hormone (PTH): Elevated PTH levels are commonly seen in primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and other conditions, and may lead to hypercalcemia and increased bone resorption, making it an important risk factor for osteoporosis. Testing PTH during physical examinations helps detect and intervene in these underlying problems early.

25-hydroxyvitamin D: Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels reduce intestinal calcium absorption, impair bone health, and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Testing this marker in physical examinations assesses an individual's vitamin D nutritional status and guides appropriate supplementation.

Osteocalcin (BGP): Elevated BGP levels indicate active bone formation, though persistently excessive levels may also be associated with bone turnover imbalance. In osteoporosis patients, changes in BGP levels help evaluate disease status and treatment efficacy.

Total procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (Total P1NP): Elevated Total P1NP levels indicate increased bone formation, making it an important marker for assessing bone metabolism activity and the efficacy of osteoporosis treatment. Testing this marker in physical examinations helps detect abnormal bone formation early and guides personalized treatment.

β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTx): Elevated β-CTx levels indicate active bone resorption and are an important marker of bone turnover imbalance in osteoporosis patients. Testing β-CTx allows assessment of bone resorption status in osteoporosis patients and guides anti-resorptive therapy.

■ How Should Physical Examination Institutions Apply Hotgen's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel?

Incorporate into routine physical examination programs: Add the Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel to routine health check packages for middle-aged and elderly populations, with particular emphasis on focused screening of high-risk groups.

Combine with imaging examinations: For examinees with abnormal Bone Metabolism Five-Marker results or high-risk factors, further recommend imaging examinations such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to confirm the diagnosis.

Provide one-stop health management services: Physical examination institutions should establish a comprehensive health management service system, providing examinees with all-round, closed-loop health management services covering screening, diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up.

Strengthen health education: Through various forms such as physical examination report interpretation, health lectures, and online consultations, strengthen health education for examinees to improve their awareness of osteoporosis and self-management capability. Encourage examinees to develop good lifestyle habits — such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sun exposure — to prevent the onset and progression of osteoporosis.

■ Conclusion

The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is a long-term and arduous task, but through precise screening and scientific management in physical examinations, we are fully capable of nipping this "silent killer" in the bud. Hotgen Biotech's Bone Metabolism Five-Marker Panel provides physical examination institutions with an efficient and precise screening tool, helping examinees detect osteoporosis risk early and achieve personalized health management.