Sign in →

Test Code BHISC Bone Histomorphometry, Gross Microscopic Exam


Shipping Instructions


It is preferred that the specimen is shipped in 70% ethanol because it preserves the tetracycline label in the bone.



Necessary Information


Bone Histomorphometry: Patient Information (T352) must be completed and sent with the specimen. The laboratory requires this information in order to perform testing.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Metal Free Specimen Vial (T173)

Specimen Type: Bone

Preferred: Anterior iliac crest

Container/Tube: Metal-free specimen vial

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Fix specimen in 70% ethanol.

2. Quantitation of bone turnover requires 2 time-spaced tetracycline labels.

3. The use of metal-free containers is required to avoid aluminum or iron contamination.

4. For complete instructions see Bone Histomorphometry Specimen Preparation (T579).

Additional Information: Consultation with a Mayo Clinic Laboratories pathologist or endocrinologist/nephrologist is recommended for first-time users of this service. Written instructions are available upon request.


Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
SS2PC SpecStain, Grp II, other No, (Bill Only) No

Testing Algorithm

Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides are sent to pathology for review. Iron staining or aluminum staining may be performed at an additional charge.

Method Name

Histomorphometry

Specimen Type

Varies

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Varies Ambient (preferred)
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

Fixatives other than 70% alcohol
Decalcified bone
Reject

Clinical Information

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, and other disorders, such as aluminum toxicity and iron abnormalities.

Reference Values

A quantitative and interpretive report will be provided.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

26 to 35 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

88346

88307

88313

Specimen Minimum Volume

5 mm bone