Test ID: BHIS
Bone Histomorphometry, Quantitative
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 2 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 relates 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 a quantitative and 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
Computer-generated histomorphometric values are given.
Normal histomorphometric values for iliac crest are provided (female only).
An interpretive report is provided.
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.
It is preferred that the specimen is shipped in 70% ethanol because it preserves the tetracycline label in the bone.
Biopsy site of preference is iliac crest.
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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