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Bone Density Testing

A bone density test measures the density of your bones to estimate their strength. Essentially, it's a measure of the health of your bones.

As you age, your bones naturally become less dense because existing bone is broken down faster than it's replaced. Minerals are constantly being added to and taken away from your bones. When minerals are lost faster than they are added, your bones become lighter, less dense, and more porous. This is called osteopenia, a natural process that begins in midlife. It makes your bones weaker and more likely to break. Bone density loss can begin earlier for some people, due to certain medical conditions or treatments, for example.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia can develop into osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become thin and brittle. More than 25 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, which can result in:

• Loss of height or a hump in your back
• Chronic pain
• Loss of movement due to bone fractures
• A higher risk of hip fractures

Why Is Bone Density Testing Necessary?

• To determine if you have or might develop osteoporosis
• To help your doctor recommend ways to prevent more bone loss and strengthen weak bones
• To determine if you are at risk for fractures, and help you take steps to minimize the risk
• To monitor your treatment and check your progress
  

Why Do I Need A Bone Density Test?

Your physician might order a bone density test if you have one or more of the following risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Women past menopause - When menopause occurs, the amount of estrogen (a hormone) in a woman's body decreases. Without estrogen, the body breaks down bone more quickly
• A condition (such as Cushing's syndrome or diabetes) that can weaken bones
• Taking medications (such as corticosteroids or thyroid medications) that can weaken bones
• Advanced age
• A family history of osteoporosis
• A diet low in calcium
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Inactivity
  

What Can I Expect?

Because ordinary X-rays cannot detect mild bone loss, your bone density will be tested through the use of specially designed imaging equipment. The system uses small doses of radiation and provides information to a computer to determine the density of your bones. The testing technique is:

• Safe - There is very little risk involved
• Painless
• Simple - You will lie on a table or place your arm inside a machine
• Quick - Testing usually takes 5-20 minutes
  

What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor?

If you have questions about the specific technique that will be used to test your bone density, or if you have any other questions or concerns, ask your doctor. Issues you should discuss include:

Pregnancy - A bone density test might not be safe if you are pregnant. If you are, or suspect that you are, tell your doctor immediately
Medications - Make sure your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking

How Do I Prepare?

• Dress comfortably
• Avoid clothing with metal buttons, buckles or zippers
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about taking your medications before the test

How Do I Get The Results?

Your exam results will be sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you.

If you have any questions or comments about your procedure at any time, please talk to your physician or inform the staff. We want to make you as comfortable with the exam as possible.

Bone Density Study Patient Information Form (pdf). This form is in pdf format and needs Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it here:

Patient Rights
As a patient you have the right to:

• Considerate and respectful care
• Obtain from your physician complete current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms you can undrestand
• Receive from your physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment
• Refuse treatment
• Appropriate assessment and management of pain
• Every consideration of your privacy concerning your own medical care program
• Expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care are treated as confidential
• Safe and secure treatment within our facilities
• Obtain infrormation as to any relationship of htis facility with any other healthcare and educational insitiution insofar as your care is concerned
• Expect reasonable continuity of care
• Examine and receive an explanation of your bill regardless of the source of payment
• Expect a speedy response and resloution to any complaints
• Know that the reules and regulations of the healthcare facility apply to your conduct as a patient in the DMS Imaging scanning facilities

Patient Responsibilities

• Providing information. The patient is responsible for providing, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health. The patient and family are responsible for reporting unexpected changes in the patient's condition. The patient and family help the organization improve its understanding of the patient's environment by providing feedback about service needs and experiences.
• Asking questions. The patient is responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about their care or what they are expected to do.
  Following instructions. The patient and family are responsible for following the care, service, or treatment plan developed. They should express any concerns they have about their ability to follow and comply with the proposed care plan or course of treatment. Every effort is made to adapt the plan to the patient's specific needs and limitations. When such adaptations to the treatment plan are not recommended, the patient and family are responsible for understanding the consequences of the treatment alternatives and not following the proposed course.
• Accepting consequences. The patient and family are responsible for following the organization's rules and regulations concerning patient care and conduct.
• Showing respect and consideration. Patients and families are responsible for being considerate of the organization's personnel and property.
• Meeting financial commitments. The patient and family are responsible for promptly meeting any financial obligation agreed to with the organization.

This infomation was provided by DMS Imaging, An Company