BONE DENSITOMETRY INTRODUCTION
EXAM PREP
FAQs
BONE DENSITOMETRY INTRODUCTION
Today, doctors are better equipped to detect and treat bone loss in its earliest stages, so as to prevent the disease or lessen its impact. Also, several drug therapies now on the market have been shown to be clinically effective in slowing down or reversing the bone-loss process.
Are you at risk?
Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are female and answer "yes" to any of the following questions:
Are you...?
- Light skinned
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Thin or small framed
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Approaching or past menopause
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Milk intolerant or have a low calcium intake
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Taking thyroid medication or steroid-based drugs for asthma, arthritis or cancer
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A cigarette smoker or drink alcohol in excess
Do you have...?
- A family history of osteoporosis
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Chronic intestinal disorders
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A sedentary lifestyle
Just as no physician would prescribe a medication for hypertension without first taking the patient's blood pressure, the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis should begin with an objective, quantifiable measurement of the patient's bone mass or bone density.
Bone densitometry, using an advanced technology called DXA (short for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry), safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone density and the mineral content of bone. During a comprehensive bone evaluation with DXA, the patient lies comfortably still on a padded table while the DXA unit scans one or more areas, usually the fracture-prone spine or the hip.
Unlike typical x-ray machines, radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low-less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight. The entire process takes only minutes to complete, depending on the number of sites scanned. It involves no injections or invasive procedures.
How DXA Bone Densitometry Works
1. The Equipment: DXA is a fast, convenient and precise way to measure bone density to determine a woman's risk of developing osteoporosis.
2. Bone Density Scan: Most common examination sites are the fracture-prone hip, spine and sometimes the forearm. Evaluation also includes measurement of height and weight, a thorough history, and risk assessment.
3. Data Analysis: Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is calculated and compared to normal BMD values, matched for age and sex, to confirm or exclude osteoporosis. A low BMD by DXA may predict the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and can help determine a treatment plan.
4. The Report: A report will be sent to your doctor that consists of your bone density measurements, a comparison of your results against an extensive database of young, normal bone density values, a comparison of your results against a database of other patients your age and sex, and recommendations for treatment and prevention.
EXAM PREPARATION
Unless instructed otherwise, eat normally on the day of the exam, but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and other casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets or any metal are preferred. Women will want to wear a sports bra without metal hooks or under wires. If you'd prefer, Nebraska Health Imaging will supply suitable clothing for your examination.
You should not have had a barium study, radioisotope injection, oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within seven to ten days prior to your DXA test.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long will the exam take?
The exam will last between 15 and 25 minutes.
If I have a hip replacement, can I have a DXA?
If you have only one hip replacement, we will image the other hip. If you have two hip replacements, we will image your spine and forearm.
If I have had spine surgery, can I have a DXA?
Yes, depending on the type of surgery you have had your test results will not be affected. If your spine surgery will affect your results, we will image your hip and forearm.
Do I have to lie still during my exam?
Yes, any movement during the exam will cause image distortion and make it difficult to interpret your study.
