Do not take calcium supplements the day of the exam. Wear any kind of clothing you like, but please avoid metal buttons or buckles.

With normal aging, underlying medical conditions, use of medications and family history of osteoporosis/fractures, bones can weaken and fracture. The most common cause of bone weakening is osteoporosis. As the bones weaken, the probability of fractures increases. In the U.S. today, 10 million people already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass resulting in an increased risk for the disease and fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1-2 million fractures per year. See similar questions...

A DEXA scan is a test that a doctor orders to see how strong your bones are. It checks for Osteoporosis. It is painless and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Anyone over 18 years old can have a scan (there are no standards set for children under 18). You build bone density until approximately 25-30 years of age. After that, the goal is to prevent any further loss. To read about the DEXA scan, click here . See similar questions...

This is not an examination that requires you to have an empty stomach, drink a certain amount of water, or any other such pre-examination preparation on your part. See similar questions...

The Bone Density Scan can accurately predict who is at increased risk for fractures and be used to accurately follow those with osteoporosis for worsening or improvement. It can be used to guide treatment of this potentially devastating disease. The Bone Density Scan uses electron beam tomography to measure bone density. Quantitative Computed Tomography is the GOLD Standard for bone densitometry. See similar questions...

Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease that can have crippling effects on both women and men. There are 44 million men (20%) and women (80%) in the United States with either osteoporosis or low bone mass. Reduced bone strength can lead to fractures resulting in loss of mobility and independence. Osteoporosis is responsible for over 1.5 million fractures, of which 300,000 are hip fractures. See similar questions...

Your examination may be the easiest medical test you will experience. Certified Technologists with specialty training in bone densitometry will conduct the exam. You will be positioned on the exam table on your back while a scanner passes over one area of your skeleton, usually the lower spine and hip. You will not feel anything during the exam. Lie still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably. See similar questions...

DEXA or bone densitometry is a test, which determines if a patient has osteoporosis (thin, weak bones) or osteopenia (early stages of osteoporosis). The test takes 5 minutes and patients are required to lie down on a cushioned table while an x-ray is taken. The results are printed right away and forward to your doctor. If you have one annually, our computer system will graph your progress. See similar questions...

A bone density test, sometimes called a Dexa scan, is a bone density measurement, which indicates how solid bones are, and how strongly they are fortified by calcium. The bone density test is a very simple procedure using a very low dose of radiation. The patient lies down on the scan table and two images are taken, one of the spine and one of the hip. The computer generates images of the region scanned. The computer, to obtain the bone mineral density value, then analyzes the images. See similar questions...

A bone density test is a very simple exam to determine the status of osteoporosis. You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table and a sponge will be placed under your knees for more comfort. The actual scan will only take about 15 minutes. The technologist will make an image of your spine and one image of your hip. After these images are made you will be allowed to get up. See similar questions...

The exam requires about 15 minutes. Generally, DEXA scans of your lumbar spine and hip are obtained. The computer then calculates the average density of bone in the vertebral bodies or hip and compares it with a normal range. Your score is then compared with "normal for age" values in a chart and the result stated in standard deviations above or below normal for age. See similar questions...

A) DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is the gold standard for osteoporosis detection. Bone densitometry is a safe, painless study that measures the amount of bone mineral content in specific areas of the body. The exam uses small amounts of x-ray radiation to produce images of the spine, hip or wrist, where most osteoporotic fractures occur. The x-ray is composed of two energy levels that are absorbed differently by bones. See similar questions...

It is preferable that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing (especially shirt or blouse). You may be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such as, belt buckles, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures, and hairpins. If your examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, you will be asked to arrive 1 hour prior to your examination to drink oral contrast to better evaluate the bowel. For the following examinations, do not eat 4 hours before test. See similar questions...

After your test, call the office to schedule a follow-up appointment. Dr. Stanley will explain and discuss your results at this time. See similar questions...

Recent guidelines issued by the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend bone mineral density testing for the following individuals: See similar questions...

No, each woman should be assessed by her doctor about the risk of developing osteoporosis and be referred for a bone density measurement if necessary. See similar questions...

Yes. Research shows that female tea drinkers had much stronger bones than non-tea drinkers. Tea drinkers had 5% more bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, indicating a 10% to 20% lower fracture risk. Researchers speculate that isoflavonoid chemicals in tea may have a weak estrogenic effect, reducing bone deterioration and osteoporosis risk. Click here for more on tea's health benefits. See similar questions...