The testing device has a large table where you will lie during the test. You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam. You should wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners or zippers that might interfere with the test. There is no preparation needed but you may be asked to avoid calcium supplements before the test. What to expectĪ bone density test is fast and painless. Not all insurance companies will cover a bone density test, so please be sure to contact your insurance provider to make sure you are covered if you are planning on insurance covering your test. This kind of densitometry is a good predictor of your risk for breaking a bone. We use a device that measures the density of your spinal and hip bones. The bone density test conducted at Riverside is more accurate than the simple test of your forearm, wrist or heel that you may have received at your local pharmacy or doctor's office. Your physician will need to do a complete medical evaluation to determine the cause of weakening bones. Unfortunately, a bone density test does not tell your doctor why your bones are weak. Before a fracture occurs, a bone density test can determine whether your bones have become weak and are lat risk to easily break. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of weak or fragile bones. The DXA machine used for bone density testing, is also used to screen older patients for vertebral fractures especially if they have lost more than an inch of height or have unexplained back pain. You have had a bone fracture after a mild trauma.Discuss your medication and their impact on bone loss with your physician.

This includes corticosteroids, some anti-seizure medications or thyroid replacement drugs. You use medications known to cause bone loss.You have medical conditions associated with bone loss such as type-1 diabetes, liver or kidney disease or have a thyroid or parathyroid condition.Are a post-menopausal woman who is over 5 feet 7 inches tall or you are very thin (less than 125 pounds).Are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.Your doctor may order a bone density test if you:

The density test uses enhanced X-ray technology to measure the strength of your bones by determining the amount of calcium and other bone minerals in bone segments. *Caution: Although the X-ray dose from the bone densitometry test is very low, you must inform the operator if you are pregnant or might be pregnant before your test.Your doctor may recommend a bone density test to determine if your bones are weak and at risk of easily breaking. The x-ray dose from DEXA is comparable to the naturally occurring environmental radiation that you are exposed to in one week.* X-rays are used, but the amount absorbed by the patient is only about one tenth of that received during a chest x-ray. A radiologist interprets your scan and sends a written report to your physician. Bone density scans can be taken of the spine, hip and forearm. The technician positions your arms and legs for the test then, you simply lie still and breathe normally. You will be asked to lie on your back, wearing your own clothing in most cases. The bone densitometer has a large, padded examination table. What Does the Bone Density Test Using DEXA Technology Involve? It can monitor the effects of age, diet and/or medications and treatments on your bone status. This information, along with other factors, helps your physician assess your risk of osteoporotic fracture.ĭEXA is also useful in following bone changes over time. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a convenient and painless test to identify bone density to determine whether you have osteoporosis and if you are at risk for bone fractures.ĭEXA compares your Bone Mineral Density (BMD) to adults in your age group as well as young adults at peak bone strength.