A bone density scan determines if you have osteoporosis, a disease that results in the weakening and thinning of bones, causing them to become fragile and likely to break. It can also help detect osteopenia, a condition in which your bone density is less than optimal but not so concerning as to be classified as osteoporosis. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure the level of calcium and other materials in a single segment of bone. This test is usually done on the spinal bone, clavicle bone, hip bone or forearm bone. Most tests require you to lie on a padded platform while a device passes over your body, emitting a very low dose of radiation. The test usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes and is completely painless. In some cases, you can have a simple bone density test done at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Your doctor will talk with you about what kind of tests are best for your personal plan of care.
Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Browsing our website means you accept these terms.
