Bone Densitometry
Osteoporosis is a growing healthcare issue affecting millions of men and women worldwide. Bone Density or DXA screening has become the most widely used method for measuring bone mineral density. When compared to plain X-rays, DXA scanning more precisely documents small changes in bone mass. It is also less expensive, exposes the patient to minimal radiation, and is more sensitive and accurate at measuring subtle changes in bone density over time or in response to drug therapy.
At CRL, we include a FRAX measurement with our bone density reports for post-menopausal women and men age 50 and older. FRAX is a risk assessment tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which calculates a 10-year fracture probability. FRAX is key for identifying and proactively treating patients with a high risk of debilitating bone fractures due to low bone mass and other risk factors.
Preparation & Procedure
The test is performed by a technologist and requires no injections, sedation, special diet or advance preparation.
You will lie on a padded table while the DXA scanner passes over your body, capturing images of your spine, hip and/or forearm. A computer is used to analyze the images and calculate your bone density. Total time required for paperwork, exam, and review of the images is approximately 30 minutes.
Follow-up
A board-certified radiologist will interpret the scan and send a report to your referring physician. Your referring physician will contact you with results.