Bone Age Study (Only film No report)

Specimen Required

NONE

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

A bone age study is typically performed to determine the maturity of a child’s bones. It can be used to evaluate growth disorders, such as short stature, or to monitor the progression of certain conditions that affect bone development.

When this test is required

A bone age study is typically requested by a pediatrician or endocrinologist when there are concerns about a child’s growth rate or bone development.

What the Test Detects

A bone age study is used to evaluate the development of the bones in the hand and wrist, which can be used to estimate the child’s overall skeletal maturity. The study compares the appearance of the child’s bones to a standard reference set of X-rays to determine if the child’s bones are developing normally or if there are any abnormalities.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is typically required for a bone age study. The child should wear clothing that allows easy access to the hand and wrist for the X-ray.

Sample Requirements

A bone age study involves taking an X-ray of the child’s hand and wrist, which is used to evaluate the development of the bones in the hand and wrist.

Additional Notes

A bone age study is generally considered to be a safe and non-invasive test, as it involves only a simple X-ray of the hand and wrist. However, the test does involve exposure to ionizing radiation, so it should be performed only when medically necessary and with appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure.

Selected Tests