Osteoporosis/Bone Density

DEXA-scan

The most exact way to measure bone density is by a DEXA-scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiomentry).

The DEXA-scan can show whether you are at risk for a fracture. If you have already broken a bone and your doctor thinks you might have osteoporosis, the test can confirm the diagnosis. The test results are reports as a number. If your doctor says your result was- 2.5 SD (Standard Deviator), this means that you have osteoporosis. A test finding of 1 SD to 2.5 SD means you have some bone loss, this means that you have osteopenia.

This test is done by aiming low dose X-ray at the most vulnerable areas for bone loss, which are the hip/femur, back/lumbar spine, and/or wrist/radius. The amount of bone loss is calculated from the amount of energy that travels through the bone and is picked up by the dectector. The test takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

The preparation for the test is as follows:

• No calcium tablets the day of the exam
• Avoid clothing with metal, i.e. zippers, snaps

More information regarding bone density screenings:
www.iscd.org/vistors/patient/index.cfm