Bone Densitometry is a radiology procedure that determines bone mineral density or bone mass. Bone mineral measurements are very highly correlated with bone strength, and have been shown to predict the potential or risk for bone fractures.

Your bone densitometry examination may be the easiest medical examination you will have over the course of your life. Basically, all it involves is for you to lie back and let the bone densitometer do the work. Bone densitometry is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure which takes approximately 15 minutes.

A Bone Density test is useful in helping your physician diagnose osteoporosis, particularly in the early stages before broken bones occur. Osteoporosis is the silent disease that makes bones prone to fracture. When the tests are repeated over time, they can also help track your rate of bone loss.

Most Common Risk Factors for Osteoporosis:

• Postmenopausal
• Early Menopause (before age 45)
• Surgical Menopause
• Age
• Previous Fracture
• Family History of Osteoporosis
• Caucasian/Asian Descent
• Thin or Small Build
• Smoking
• Alcohol Abuse
• Inactive Lifestyle
• Inadequate Calcium Intake
• Certain Medications (including steroids and thyroid hormones)

Some procedures require patient preparation.
Click here for Patient Preparation Instructions.

Locations for Bone Densitometry
Bone Densitometry is performed at the following locations:

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
Roper St. Francis Farmfield Diagnostics
Roper St. Francis Medical Center - Berkeley