Femur Length Measurement (from GAAS - Gold Standard Anthropometry)
This test measures the length of your femur bone using specialized equipment to assess growth patterns, skeletal development, or potential developmental concerns.
["Your femur length helps doctors evaluate overall growth and development, especially in children or during pregnancy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33177-7
- Short code
- Fet Humerus Length from GA.ASUM00
- Synonyms
- Fet Humerus Length from GA.ASUM00
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-estimated-from-asum
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to monitor growth in children with suspected conditions like growth hormone deficiency, genetic disorders, or developmental delays. It can also be used during pregnancy to assess fetal development or in cases of suspected skeletal abnormalities.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely stand on a specialized platform or lie down on a table while a technician uses precise measuring tools to record your femur length. No special preparation is needed, but wear comfortable clothing and shoes without heels.
During the Test
The test involves placing your foot on a calibrated platform or using a laser measurement system to capture the exact length of your femur. This is a quick, non-invasive procedure that takes only a few minutes.
After the Test
No recovery time is needed. Results are typically reviewed by a healthcare provider to compare with expected growth standards or clinical findings. Follow-up may include additional tests or discussions with your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Femur length measurements are critical in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting growth and development. In children, deviations from expected lengths may indicate underlying metabolic, hormonal, or genetic issues. In pregnancy, it can help assess fetal skeletal development or screen for conditions like fetal growth restriction.
Short name
Femur Length (Anthropometry)
Frequently asked questions
How is this test different from other bone measurements?
What conditions might require this test?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy