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.
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