Test ID: BHINT
Bone Histomorphometry, Consultant Interpretation Only
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Undetermined metabolic bone disease
Renal osteodystrophy
Osteomalacia
Osteoporosis
Paget's disease
Assessing effects of therapy
Identification of some disorders of the hematopoietic system
Aluminum toxicity
Presence of iron in the bone
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Bone histomorphometry is a very sophisticated procedure utilizing full thickness bone biopsy.
Techniques such as two-time interval labeling with tetracycline permit the direct measurement of the rate of bone formation. The information derived is useful in the diagnosis of metabolic bone diseases including renal osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Other information obtainable relate to disorders such as aluminum toxicity and iron abnormalities.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
The laboratory will provide an interpretive report.
All results will be called to the physician designated on the Bone Histomorphometry Information Sheet.
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Clinical endocrinologists trained in histomorphometric techniques review and interpret the histological appearance.
A pathologist interprets the bone marrow from an H & E stained slide.
No histomorphometric values are given.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Decalcified bone is not acceptable for histomorphometric analysis.
Mineralization or bone formation rates can be done only when tetracycline has been administered on a specific schedule prior to biopsy.
Containers should not be contaminated with aluminum or iron.
Shipping vehicle of preference is 70% ethanol because it preserves the tetracycline label in the bone.
Biopsy site of preference is iliac crest.
This test is used only if the specimen is inadequate.
Determination of an inadequate specimen can be made only upon microscopic investigation of the stained sections.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Recker RR: Bone Histomorphometry: Techniques and Interpretation. Boca Raton,FL, CRC Press, 1983
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