How to Calculate Bone Density

There are a variety of ways for doctors to calculate bone density. The ones most commonly used and available are the DEXA scans, peripheral DEXA scan, CAT scan, and radiographic absorptiometry scan. A doctor will determine whether an individual is a good candidate for the body mass measurement test based on certain criteria: women 65 years and older, post-menopausal women with one or more risk factors, and post-menopausal women prone to bone fractures or osteoporosis.

Things You'll Need

• Bone mass measurement equipment
• Blood and urine samples

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a DEXA scan to calculate bone mineral density (BMD). A DEXA scan involves measuring the hips and/or lower spine to calculate bone density. Women who are tall, thin, petite, have a genetic predisposition to osteoporosis, smoke, have a low calcium intake, and are going through or past menopause, should have a DEXA screening every two years to determine bone density.

• 2

  Calculate bone density by having a blood and urine test performed. Urine and blood samples can be used to measure bone disintegration levels. Blood tests show the amount of calcium present in blood. Even though urine and blood samples cannot accurately access to what degree there is bone loss, they can determine whether there is bone loss occurring or if a person is at risk for osteoporosis.

• 3

  Take a peripheral DEXA scan. A peripheral DEXA calculates bone density in an effective, convenient way by sensing osteoporosis and bone loss through ultrasound waves or X-rays. This test examines bone loss in the heels, wrists and fingers, and can calculate bone loss results within a few minutes. Many hospitals and medical offices offer free or low-cost peripheral DEXA scans.

• 4

  Take a CAT scan to measure bone density. A CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, uses X-rays to scan the body and can reveal a person's bone loss and damaged bone density. CAT scans, for some, are more complex and take longer than a DEXA or peripheral DEXA to calculate bone loss.

• 5

  RA, or radiographic absorptiometry, uses an X-ray of the hand and a small metal wedge to calculate bone density in the middle phalanges. RA is one of the most preferred bone mass measurements because it can calculate bone loss quickly and it is a relatively inexpensive option for any medical specialist and medical office.