The department of Chemical Pathology at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical School (Imperial College School of Medicine) has a long standing interest in calcium and bone metabolism, having been particularly concerned with the development of methodology for parathyroid hormone and vitamin D in the past. More recently we have developed a multi-disciplinary group for the clinical care of and research in osteoporosis. This group provides a biochemical, clinical and bone densitometry service to patients with osteoporosis and those on treatment. In addition it contributes to the diagnosis and care of other patients with metabolic bone disease eg. hyperparathyroidism and Paget’s disease in conjunction with the Clinical Endocrinology department (Professor D Johnston). We participate in international drug trials for new agents for the treatment of osteoporosis. Results from the Bone Laboratory are supported by a well developed clinical infra structure for metabolic bone disease, providing the interpretative and advisory service.