Osteoporosis Screening (DEXA)

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the thinning and weakening of the bones that happens naturally as we age, but other factors such as medications and family history can increase the likelihood of this “silent disease”. Screening for osteoporosis is much easier than trying to reverse bone loss once it has occurred.

How is Osteoporosis detected?
Bone densitometry, using an advanced technology called DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry), safely, accurately and painlessly measures bone mineral density, which helps determine a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis and future fractures. The DEXA machine uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hips, and/or forearm. The x-ray is composed of two energy levels which are absorbed differently by the bones in the body. A computer is able to determine from these differences how much bone mineral density is present. Your BMD is then plotted in accordance with your height, weight, and ethnicity. The World Health Organization has determined normal limits for all these factors.

How should I prepare?
There is no preparation of this exam. The exam requires only that you lie back and
let the machine do the work. There is no pain at all associated with it, and no special preparation is required. Generally clothing without metal or hard plastic is acceptable, you may be asked to remove certain articles of clothing and put on a gown. You will also be given a short questionnaire to fill out upon arrival.

Because the exam requires an extremely small dose of radiation, you should advise your physician if you are pregnant or have other medical conditions. The test will take from two to fifteen minutes, depending on the area of the body measured. Results will be
forwarded by mail.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does the exam take?
Once on the table and in the exam room the test takes less than 15 minutes.

What if I have a hip replacement?
NDIC generally scans three areas of your body, right and left hip and the lumbar spine. If you have a surgically implanted metal device attempts to scan other areas of your body will be made.

How much radiation am I getting?
The doses are very low. The technologist can sit just a few feet from you without a protective barrier because the levels are so low.

Who will give me the results?
Your doctor will be given a report from our Radiologist as well as a colored graph showing your bone mineral density.