WHAT IS BONE DENSITOMETRY? back to top
Bone Densitometry is a simple and noninvasive procedure that is used to measure bone mass and assist in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The Bone Densitometry machine uses a very low-dose of x-rays to calculate the strength of your bones.
IS BONE DENSITOMETRY FOR EVERYONE? back to top
Bone densitometry is a diagnostic procedure that is helpful to detect osteoporosis and low bone mass in men and women usually over 50 years old.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE BONE DENSITOMETRY PROCEDURE
- We request that you arrive thirty minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary.
- No special patient preparation is necessary, however, it is recommended that you not wear clothing with buttons, snaps, or zippers from the waist down on the day of the procedure. By wearing pants with elastic waistbands there will be no need to change into a gown for the procedure.
- If, within the last 10 days you have had an upper or lower GI or abdominal CT Scan procedure, we recommend that you postpone your Bone Density procedure as the residual barium contrast from the GI or Abdominal CT Scan may interfere with the results.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE BONE DENSITOMETRY PROCEDURE?
- During the procedure you will be asked to lie on your back on a padded table while computer measurements are performed of the hip and spine area. These measurements assist in estimating an individual's risk for fracture.
- Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable Bone Densitometry procedure. If you are uncomfortable in any way, please inform your technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE BONE DENSITOMETRY PROCEDURE TAKE? back to top
The procedure will take 10 minutes or less to complete.
WHEN DO I GET MY BONE DENSITOMETRY RESULTS? back to top
Once your procedure is complete, our highly skilled licensed and certified technologists will provide the films and measurements to a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and dictate a report, which then typically will be forwarded to your physician within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
