Bone Density, Bone Densitometry or Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a procedure that uses X-ray to determine bone strength. The purpose of BMD is to identify bone mass, detect bone loss and determine bone quality. This can help in the early detection of osteoporosis before fractures occur, help determine the likelihood of future fractures and predict the rate of bone loss.
The association between low bone density and osteoporotic fracture is similar to the association between cholesterol and heart disease, or blood pressure and stroke. Like cholesterol level and blood pressure, bone density is a risk factor that can be changed. You can’t do much about other risk factors such as age, sex, race, or genetic background, but low bone mass can be prevented and treated. Your physician can use the results of a bone density test to determine if medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis is advisable for you.
Bone Density procedures at St. Joe's include:
A bone density test is painless and non-invasive. You will be asked to lie still and quiet on a padded table, but you will be able to breathe normally. The study lasts only a few minutes. The X-ray dose you will be exposed to is extremely low, similar to what you would receive on a long-distance airplane flight.
We ask that you don't wear anything with buttons, snaps or zippers. Wearing pants with an elastic waistband is ideal. Please do not take a calcium pill before your study on the day of your exam. Also, if you have recently had a nuclear medicine scan or an x-ray study involving contrast, it is best to wait two weeks before having your bone density test.
The results of your bone density test will be sent to your referring physician. You should arrange to discuss the results with your physician.
Did you know that 54 million Americans have low bone density or osteoporosis? In fact, about 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis (nof.org/learn/basics). The association between low bone density and osteoporotic fracture is similar to the association between cholesterol and heart disease, or blood pressure and stroke.
Like cholesterol level and blood pressure, bone density is a risk factor that can be changed. You can’t do much about other risk factors such as age, sex, race, or genetic background, but low bone mass can be prevented and treated. Your physician can use the results of a bone density test to determine if medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis is advisable for you.
No. The two studies are often confused because they sound alike, but they are different techniques used for different purposes. A bone scan is a nuclear medicine study used to look for cancer, stress fractures, and other bone or joint problems. It does not measure bone density and is not used to diagnose osteoporosis.
We ask that you don't wear anything with buttons, snaps or zippers. Wearing pants with an elastic waistband is ideal. Please do not take a calcium pill before your study on the day of your exam. Also, if you have recently had a nuclear medicine scan or an x-ray study involving contrast, it is best to wait two weeks before having your bone density test.
Please remember to bring the bone densitometry (DEXA) requisition from your referring physician. A signed physician's order is required before scheduling your appointment.
A bone density test is painless and non-invasive. You will be asked to lie still and quiet on a padded table, but you will be able to breathe normally. The study lasts only a few minutes. The X-ray dose you will be exposed to is extremely low, similar to what you would receive on a long-distance airplane flight.
The results of your bone density test will be sent to your referring physician. You should arrange to discuss the results with your physician.
You may also gain access to your results utilizing the Patient Portal.
St. Joe's will now be known as Trinity Health.