Bone Density Testing

Effective and Painless Detector for Osteoporosis

Bone density testing is sometimes called a DEXA test and is used to determine how much bone loss you may have. Two separate x-ray beams evaluate the bone in your spine and hip. The amount of x-ray that passes all the way through the bone is measured and used to determine whether you have osteoporosis and how bad the disease is. Based on these findings, your doctor can then decide how best to proceed. Once treatment begins, you will likely get a DEXA scan every other year to assess how well the treatment is working.

Preparation

We ask that our female patients tell us if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

How Does the Procedure Work?

• The examination causes no pain.
• You will be asked to lie still on a table and will see the arm of the DEXA scanner above you.
• DEXA measures the rate at which bones absorb radiation, which tells us whether you have osteoporosis and how bad the disease is.

After the Procedure

• You will be asked to wait until the images are reviewed by the radiologist to determine if more images will be needed.
• The radiologist will report the results to your physician.
• There is no recovery time associated with this prodcedure.