Laboratory tests that may be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of osteoporosis include:
- Blood calcium levels - this may be normal in an osteoporosis situation but can also be elevated in conjunction with other bone disorders
- Vitamin D - decreases can lead to decreased calcium absorption
- T4/TSH - these tests if abnormal can indicate thyroid disease that may be the underlying cause of osteoporosis
- Parathyroid hormone - may be increased indicating a hyperparathyroidism causing an increase in calcium levels
- FSH - hormone status, can be an indicator of menopause
- Alkaline phosphatase - looking for increased levels that can indicate a bone disorder
- Protein electrophoresis - may be increased if multiple myeloma is present and is degrading bone
