Bone histomorphometry, aluminum stain

This test measures the amount of aluminum in bone. It is used to diagnose and manage complications from too much aluminum. It is also used to detect aluminum bone diseases in patients on dialysis.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Aluminum bone disease
• Aluminum intoxication

A bone biopsy is a procedure that requires written consent. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics. Inform the healthcare worker of any past or present bone diseases. Generally, this procedure can be done with local anesthetic. However, an open bone biopsy is a surgical procedure that may require regional or general anesthesia. If you are having an open bone biopsy, follow the preparation instructions of the anesthesiologist and your surgeon.

The person doing the bone biopsy will select one or more bones to biopsy. The method to be used and bone selected for the procedure may vary depending on the reason for the test and many other factors.

Regional or general anesthesia will be used if you are having an open biopsy. Your skin will be shaved and cleaned, and a sterile area will be prepared for the procedure. An incision will be made over or near the bone to be biopsied, instruments will be inserted into the incision, and the sample collected. Depending on the test results, surgery may be performed immediately, or the incision will be closed.

Before a drill biopsy, local anesthetic will be given. This medication makes the area numb. The biopsy needle will be pushed into the bone with the assistance of a special drill. The needle is rotated to collect a sample, and then the needle and sample are removed.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the test. Inform the person doing the test if you feel that you cannot continue with the test.

During a drill needle bone biopsy, you will receive local anesthetic but may still feel pressure and discomfort when the biopsy needle enters the bone. After the biopsy, the area may be sore for several days. For an open bone biopsy, an anesthesiologist will give you a general or regional anesthetic. During general anesthesia, medicine will put you into a deep sleep where you are unable to feel pain. With regional anesthesia or a block, medicine will be given that numbs a nerve or group of nerves that supplies a certain area of your body. With a regional anesthetic, you are awake but will not feel pain or pressure in the numbed area. After an open bone biopsy, you may experience discomfort in the area for several days.

After a bone biopsy, follow the instructions given to you by the healthcare worker regarding changing bandages and caring for the wound. Contact healthcare workers if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site, or for increased pain or drainage from the area. Contact healthcare workers if you develop a fever, headache, or pain with movement.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.