Laboratory workup for osteoporosis. Which tests are most cost-effective?

Abstract

Secondary causes of osteoporosis often go undetected, in part because of the lack of specific guidelines for laboratory evaluation in newly diagnosed cases. Although the effect of menopause on bone density has been well studied, the exact prevalence of other contributing factors is unknown. In this article, Dr Crandall discusses the controversies surrounding laboratory workup after diagnosis of osteoporosis and reviews two studies that suggest a cost-effective approach to screening.