Are you a woman age 65 years or older, a man age 70 years or older, or simply have a broken bone since age 50 years? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you should consider talking to your medical practitioner about getting a bone mineral densitometry also known as a bone density test.
But before taking this bold step in your life, it always pays off to have an insight into what is destined to come your way. Well, a bone density test is simply a measurement of how much mineral, such as calcium, you have in your bones. The most common and most versatile test is with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
In a nutshell, this test is widely relied upon in diagnosing osteoporosis before you break a bone, helps in estimating your chances of breaking a bone in the future, and monitors the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments. This test only takes a few minutes to do.
Moreover, you don’t have to undress, but you must not have buttons or zippers in the area over your spine and hips. It is important to note that the test is non-invasive and painless; no needles or instruments are placed through the skin or body. There is very little radiation.
All it takes is to lie on a DXA table and follow the instructions of the technologist to see that you’re correctly positioned. Then a movable arm passes above you to scan your bone. Even though it is quite easy for you, the tech of the scan and computer system is actually very sophisticated.
That leaves many wondering about who should take the bone mineral densitometry test. Well, this test is ideal for women age 65 years and older, men age 70 years and older, and anyone who has broken a bone after age 50 years. Things are not any different for women age 50-64 years with risk factors and men age 50-69 years with risk factors.
Among the most notable benefits of risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures include family history of osteoporosis and/or fracture, frequent falling, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, malabsorption, and some medications such as prednisone.
Keep in mind many tests other than DXA can be used to assess your bone health. Some of them are not as widely used as DXA, but they may provide useful information beyond bone density, or help to determine who needs a DXA.
