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Bone Histomorphometry with Iron Analysis

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test evaluates the structure and iron content of your bones, often used to assess conditions affecting bone health and mineral balance.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose and monitor bone-related disorders involving iron metabolism."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10758-1
Short code
Iron Bone Histomorph Stn
Synonyms
Iron Bone Histomorph Stn
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
60
Ref high
170
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
histomorphometry-stain
CPT
83540
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

What This Test Measures

Bone histomorphometry examines microscopic features of bone tissue, such as bone formation and resorption rates, cell density, and mineralization patterns. Iron analysis assesses the concentration and distribution of iron within bone tissue, which can reflect how well your body stores and uses iron for bone health.

Why It’s Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like bone pain, fractures, or conditions such as osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, or iron overload disorders. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study bone metabolism and mineralization.

Preparation and Process

No special preparation is typically required. Blood or bone biopsy samples are collected, often under sterile conditions. The bone sample is analyzed under a microscope to assess structural details, while iron levels are measured through specialized laboratory techniques.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test helps identify or monitor conditions like rickets, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease, or iron deficiency anemia affecting bone mineralization and iron storage.

Reference range

NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Bone Iron Study

Frequently asked questions

What does a bone biopsy involve?
A bone biopsy is a small sample of bone tissue taken from your body, usually from the hip or thigh. It’s done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to study bone structure and iron content.
How long does it take to get results?
Results from this test can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the analysis and laboratory processing times. Follow-up with your healthcare provider will help interpret the findings.
Can iron levels in bone be affected by diet?
Yes, dietary iron intake can influence bone iron levels indirectly. Conditions like iron deficiency or overload may alter how your body stores iron in bones, but bone histomorphometry assesses structural changes rather than just iron concentration alone.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy