A bone density test is done on a woman to determine the presence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that reduces its density and makes it more fragile. As a result, bones are more likely to dysfunction or even break. The radiologist uses an X-ray in this test to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals present in the bone segments. Usually, this test is done on the bones of the hip, spine and forearm.
What is a bone density scan?
A bone density scan or DEXA scan is a low-dose X-ray test that helps to measure the level of calcium along with other minerals in the bones. It is also known by other names like bone mineral density test, Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA. The measurement is important to know the strength and thickness of bones.
Most people, especially women, are experiencing thinner bones as they become older. This thinning of bone than normal is known as osteopenia. Furthermore, osteopenia increases the risk for a severe condition known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a type of progressive bone disease that makes the bones thinner and brittle. Typically, this severe condition affects older people and is very common among women aged over 65 years. People dealing with osteoporosis have a higher risk of getting fractures mainly in their wrists, spine and hips.
Why is the Bone Density Test Crucial?
Doctors recommend bone density tests to patients to:
- Determine the decreased level of bone density
- Diagnose the risk of fractures
- Determine the diagnosis of the bone disease
- Monitor the treatment of severe bone disease, osteoporosis
Healthy bones mean the mineral content will be higher and denser. Consequently, the denser bones are much stronger and less likely to break. Remember, bone density tests are different from bone scans as the latter can detect infections, fractures, cancer and other bone abnormalities.
What happens during DEXA scan?
A bone density scan is a painless and quick medical procedure in which the patient needs to lie on the back of the X-ray table. There are no special preparations to undergo the test. Depending on the part of the body on which the X-ray scanned, there might be no need to remove clothes. However, if you wear clothes having metal fasteners like hooks, zippers or buckles, you will need to change your clothes and wear a gown.
At the Radiology Centre at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey, efficient medical professionals use advanced tools to scan and identify bone density. You will be asked to lie down on the back on a padded X-ray table. The medical professionals may either ask you to lie down with straight legs or rest them on the padded platform. The scanning machine will move over your body parts including the lower spine and hip area while another machine known as the Photon Generator will move beneath your body. The two machines will click images and send the combined images to the computer. A healthcare provider will see the images on the screen. Throughout the process, you may need to stay still and hold your breath.
Nonetheless, in the case of measuring forearm, hands, fingers or feet bone density, the experts at the Radiology Center at Harding in Morristown, New Jersey can use a peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) scan.
