The role of the clinical laboratory in the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis is in its infancy. In order for clinical laboratory scientists to more fully explore and develop roles in the area, it is necessary to keep up with the many advances that have occurred during the past few years in terms of the basics of bone biology and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This book is written for clinical laboratory scientists, pathologists, medical technologists, residents, and fellows who need an updated foundation in the basic mechanisms involved in bone biology and in the pathological processes involved in osteoporosis. Additional chapters review clinical tools used to evaluate bone health, including biopsy, imaging methods, and biochemical markers, as well as the pharmacological agents used to treat the disease.