What Are the Steps in Doing a Bone Density Test?

Osteoporosis affects the strength of the bones. This disease makes bones prone to breaking. If left untreated, even small injuries can result in fractures of the bones. Though both men and women can develop osteoporosis, women are four times more likely to acquire the disease. A bone density test determines if a patient has osteoporosis or might be at risk. As with most diseases, the sooner treatment starts, the easier osteoporosis is to manage.

Preperation

• A bone density test can be performed at a number of locations. Full-scale bone density tests are performed at a medical center or hospital, whereas a small-scale test can be completed at a local pharmacy. The test itself is non-invasive and requires little preparation.

Test

• The test is generally conducted on the lower vertebrae, the top of the femur, or bones of the arm. The full-scale test uses a central device. Basically this is an X-ray machine that the patient can lay down on while the scan runs. The scan emits less radiation than a regular X-ray and is called an absorptiometry scan. The test takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

  A small-scale bone density test uses a peripheral device. This device is much smaller and scans a smaller area of the body, such as the heel. While it may not be as accurate as the central device, it is available at more locations and costs less.

Results

• The results of a bone density test produce a T-score and a Z-score. Both scores measure the number of units greater or less than the average. The T-score compares your bone density with the average for the same age and sex. The Z-score is more comprehensive, comparing your result against the average for people of the same age, sex, weight and ethnicity. The scores give your health-care provider a better idea of what type of treatment, if any, is needed.