Bone Densitometry

Loss of bone strength due to aging, menopause and some medical conditions can cause osteopenia or osteoporosis—increasing your risk of bone fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 55% of people older than 50 are at risk of osteoporosis. Great Lakes Medical Imaging helps physicians evaluate your risk through bone densitometry, which produces the most accurate evaluation of bone mass available. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that women older than 40 have a baseline bone densitometry exam.

What is Bone Densitometry?

Bone densitometry is an enhanced form of x-ray technology used to measure bone mineral density. It is a non-invasive procedure that captures images of the inside of your body. Once images are captured, radiologists review the images and create a report for your general physician. Contrast materials are not required for this procedure.

What will I experience during a bone densitometry?

• You will be asked to lie down on the scanning table, where the arm of the machine will hover over, but not touch, your body.
• You will be asked to remain still for the duration of the procedure, which lasts approximately three minutes.
• You will be able to communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure.

DO

• Read the general instructions on our home page.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not contain metal or zippers.
• Please notify our staff prior to scheduled exam if you: are pregnant or breast-feeding, have recently suffered any hip orback injuries, or if you are left-handed.
• Please empty your bladder before your exam begins unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Eat and drink as you normally would leading up to your exam.
• Please bring any relevant films and reports from previous exams.

DO NOT

• Do not wear jewelry.
• Do not take calcium supplements for 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam.
• Do not take any medications for osteoporosis or osteopenia on the day of your exam.

To schedule a bone densitometry exam, please contact us.