Bone Mineral Density Testing

A Bone mineral Density Test - is a measure of the amount of minerals (mainly calcium) contained in a certain volume of bone. Calcium gives bones their strength and helps prevent fractures. A bone mineral density (BMD) test, also called a bone mass measurement, is used to measure bone density and determine fracture risk for osteoporosis. It may also be used to determine how effective an osteoporosis treatment is.

Candidates-
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends BMD testing for the following individuals:
• All women aged 65 and older regardless of risk factors.
• Younger postmenopausal women with one or more risk factors.
• Postmenopausal women who present with fractures.
• Estrogen deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis.
• Individuals with vertebral abnormalities.
• Individuals receiving, or planning to receive, long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy.
• Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism.
• Individuals being monitored to assess the response or efficacy of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy.

What to Expect - This exam is performed in the radiology department by a technologist. The Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the most accurate way to measure bone mineral density. It uses two different X-ray beams to estimate bone density in your spine and hip. The scan takes about 20 minutes to perform. The results will be sent to your physician the next day.

A negative (–) value indicates that you have thinner bones (lower bone density) than an average 30-year-old; the more negative the number is, the less bone density you have compared with an average 30-year-old.

A positive (+) value indicates that your bones are thicker and stronger than an average 30-year-old.