Serum/Plasma Bone Mineral Density (Bone Mineral Content) Measurement
This test measures the amount of mineral (primarily calcium and phosphorus) in a sample of your bone tissue, helping assess bone health and density.
["This test helps identify risks of osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions by checking how much mineral is stored in your bones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38154-1
- Short code
- RF Guided Bone Super Bx
- Synonyms
- RF Guided Bone Super Bx
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rf
- CPT
- 86430
- 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 Matters for Your Health
Bone mineral density is crucial for preventing fractures and understanding long-term bone health, especially as you age. Low bone density can signal conditions like osteoporosis that may require lifestyle changes or treatment.
What to Expect During the Test
This test typically involves a small sample of blood drawn from your arm. The mineral content is analyzed to determine your bone mineral density, often using a specialized blood test that measures the concentration of key minerals in your serum or plasma.
How the Results Are Used
Results help healthcare providers assess your risk for bone-related diseases, monitor treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, or guide decisions about supplements or medications that support bone health.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
While this test primarily measures mineral content rather than bone structure directly, it can be part of broader evaluations for conditions like osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, or monitoring responses to therapies for bone health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: This test is often used alongside other assessments (such as X-rays or bone scans) to provide a comprehensive view of bone health. It helps identify individuals at higher risk for fractures or bone-related complications, allowing for early interventions to preserve bone strength.
Short name
Bone Mineral Density (BMC)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or high result mean?
Does this test require fasting?
How often should I get this test?
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