Measuring Bone Density:
• Painless procedure
• No preparation required
• Extremely low-dose radiation
• Test takes 8-10 minutes

The test results provide:
• information on the density (mineralization) of bone.
• bone density values, which are compared to an ideal standard and to a group of similar age, ethnic background and sex as the person being tested.
• a baseline for detecting any future changes.

Who Should Have Bone Density Testing? – Specific factors contributing to low bone density:
• Low body weight
• Inadequate calcium intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Post menopausal status
• History of previous fractures
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Family history of fractures, especially hip fractures
• History of scoliosis
• Certain medications (e.g. prednisone, anti-seizure medications)

Women and men who have one or more of these risk factors should have a discussion with their health care provider about osteoporosis prevention and the possibility of having a bone density test.

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