Bone Density Testing
Bone mineral density (BMD) testing can be used to establish or confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis, predict future fracture risk, and monitor changes in BMD due to therapy and/or medical conditions.
Measurements of BMD at any skeletal site have value; however, spine and hip BMD measurements on a central duel energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are considered the diagnostic gold standard. Testing on DXA is quick, painless, noninvasive, and with minimal radiation exposure (1/10th of a standard chest x-ray).
You will have BMD scans of the spine, hip, and wrist using the Hologic Discovery DXA system. Each scan takes about 60 seconds. Once the testing is completed, Dr. Nattrass will go over your results and give you a copy of the report to take with you. If you request it, she will ensure your PCP gets a copy as well.
