Scientists have devised a way of testing for the bone disease osteoporosis simply by scanning a patient’s fingernail.

Both fingernails and bones contain a crucial bonding substance which helps give them strength.

The team, including University of Limerick experts, say low levels in the fingernail indicate low levels in bone. Their test, they say, offers a cheap and accessible way of assessing if someone needs to go for further checks.

The first clue that fingernails could play a role in diagnosing the disease came when a doctor noticed that osteoporosis patients had floppy nails.

Mark Towler, a lecturer in materials at the University of Limerick was asked to look at the properties of nail and bone.

Dr Towler checked the nails and bones in 10 people with osteoporosis and 10 without.

He found that levels of disulphide bond - needed to bind one protein molecule to another - were lower in people with osteoporosis. In nails, the disulphide bond is needed to bind keratin - which gives them strength. For bones, the protein collagen needs disulphide bonds to stick together.

Dr Towler said: “People are usually referred to hospital for bone scans if their doctors feel they have risk factors, such as being post menopausal, or if they smoke.

“This test could be low cost and simple way of assessing someone’s risk and if they need to go for further checks.

Reference - BBC News

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