How do I prepare for my test?
Day of Exam
Do not wear clothing with underwire bras, metal buttons, zippers, metallic paint or threads.
May I take my medication before my test?
Yes. You should take your medications as usual.
May I eat before my test?
Yes. You should eat normally before your test.
How long does a bone density test take?
A bone density test takes about 15-20 minutes.
When should I get my first bone density test?
When to get your first bone density test should be determined by talking to your health care provider. Certain conditions and medications can influence when you have your first bone density test. If you are a woman age 65 or older, or if you are a man age 70 or older, you should have a bone density test.
How often should a bone density test be done?
Usually a bone density test is done every two years. However, if you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications your health care provider may recommend more frequent testing. Follow up testing should be done at the same facility and on the same machine. You should check with your insurance company for how often this test will be covered.
How do I know if I have osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis does not have early warning signs. Many people are unaware that they have osteoporosis until a fracture has occurred. These fractures typically involve the spine, hip or forearm.
A measurement of your bone density (called a “DXA measurement”) can determine if you are at risk for osteoporotic fractures.
Your T-score will tell you if your bone density falls within the range of normal, osteopenia (low bone mass), or osteoporosis.
T-score
-1.0 or above is normal
Between -1.0 to -2.5 is considered osteopenia (low bone mass)
-2.5 or below is reported as osteoporosis
You also have osteoporosis if you have had a fragility fracture. A fragility fracture is a low impact fracture that occurs when falling from sitting or standing height and typically involves the hip, spine or forearm.
What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?
Osteopenia or low bone mass is diagnosed from your T-score. A T-score between -1.0 to -2.5 is considered to be osteopenia. Osteoporosis is defined as a T-score that is -2.5 or lower. Osteoporosis is a more severe disease process often needing medical treatment.
Can osteoporosis be prevented?
Most people can prevent osteoporosis by following the guidelines below:
Get the recommended amounts of calcium (1000-1200mg per day) and vitamin D (800-1000 IU per day)
Do regular weight bearing and strengthening exercise, such as walking, jogging, dancing, stair climbing and using hand held weights
Stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol
Talk to your health care provider about your bone health
Have a DXA bone density test
Take bone building medication as recommended by your health care provider
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
Women during and after menopause
People who exercise excessively resulting in loss of periods or significant weight loss
Caucasian and Asian ethnicity
Small boned and thin people
Elderly people
People with a family history of osteoporosis
Smokers
Alcohol consumers
Inactive people
People with a diet low in calcium and vitamin D
People using certain medications (steroids, thyroid medication, chemotherapy)
People with some medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism and bowel disease
Who should have a bone density test?
Anyone who has had a low impact bone fracture. A low impact fracture is one that occurs when falling from sitting or standing height and typically involves a fracture of the hip, spine or forearm.
Women age 65 or older
Men age 70 or older
Menopausal women with risk factors
Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors
Men age 50-69 with risk factors
Anyone with a broken bone after age 50
What exercises are good for healthy bones?
Bone healthy exercises are activities that are weight bearing. Examples of bone healthy exercises are: walking, jogging, dancing, stair climbing, jumping jacks and using hand held weights. You should talk to your health care provider about exercises that are appropriate for you.
I had a bone density test done on my heel at a health fair. Do I need another bone density test?
Although portable bone density machines are used to do quick screenings at job sites or health fairs, this is not as accurate as doing a central bone density scan (DXA). A central bone density scan measures the bone density at the spine and hip. These bones are the more commonly broken bones. Central bone density (DXA) scans are considered to be the “Gold Standard” for measuring bone density.