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Bone densitometry, or bone mineral density (BMD) testing
is an x-ray examination performed to determine the strength
of the bones in the L-spine (lower back) and the non-dominant
hip and, on occasion, the smaller peripheral bones of the
forearm and wrist. The test helps your doctor assess the
probability of fracture in persons at risk for osteoporosis.
People sometimes confuse BMD testing with a bone scan.
A bone density test is completely non-invasive, painless,
and takes only minutes. The radiation dose from this exam
is considerably less than the dose received from a standard
chest x-ray. By contrast, a bone scan is a nuclear medicine
examination which involves the administration of radioactive
contrast material into the bloodstream and can be an all
day event.
A doctor’s order is required for bone density testing.
Your physician will determine your osteoporosis risk and
determine the best testing protocol specifically for you.
Some risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Post-menopausal women
- Women over the age of 65
- Women or men with a history of bone fractures as
an adult
- Having a family history of osteoporosis
- Clinical diagnosis of Vitamin D deficiency
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
- Eating disorders
- Significant weight loss or low body weight
- Small-bone frame
- Late onset of menstrual periods or early menopause
- Dormant lifestyle
- Certain medications or use of illegal substances
known to cause bone loss
- Low estrogen levels
- Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism
Following your bone densitometry exam, the radiologist
will review the data collected and send a report to your
referring physician. Your physician’s office will contact
you with the results and discuss treatment options, if
indicated. At that time, your physician will also determine
how frequently you will need to be tested. If you have
not heard from your physician within 10 days of your
bone density exam, do not assume everything is fine.
Please follow up with their office. You may also call
us for further information.
To prepare for your bone density test:
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Refrain from taking multivitamins, calcium supplements,
or antacids such as Tums or Rolaids the morning of your
exam
- Wear clothing without metal (such as metal buttons, zippers, zipper pulls,
brads, or eyelets). If you are also having a mammogram, a 2 piece outfit
is preferred.
- Let the technologist know if you are or could possibly be pregnant
before beginning your exam
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