Bone densitometry
Service description
What is bone densitometry?
Bone densitometry, often referred to as Dexa, is a quick and painless test that measures bone density, based on statistical standards, according to age, weight and gender. This technique is used to quantify bone loss. Images are acquired using a small dose of X-rays. It is mainly used to diagnose cases of osteoporosis.
Why measure bone density?
Bone density measurement is essential for assessing bone health and identifying possible bone loss at an early stage.
Bone densitometry: an effective test for diagnosing osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass and, consequently, in bone strength, which exposes a person to a high risk of fracture. It is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it has no signs or symptoms prior to a fracture. Most people are not diagnosed until they have suffered multiple fractures. It is most common after the age of 50.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis are listed below:
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 with additional risk factors for osteoporosis;
- Postmenopausal women who have had a fracture;
- Women 65 years of age or older;
- Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT/ERT) for prolonged periods;
- Men with clinical conditions associated with bone loss;
- Persons with radiographic evidence of vertebral fracture;
- Persons with very low body weight/anorexia.
How is bone densitometry performed?
Bone densitometry is a very simple test. You will be asked to lie on the table with your head resting on a pillow.
When should I have a bone densitometry test?
The prescription of a bone densitometry test is particularly indicated in the following cases
- Without risk factors: women over 65 years of age and men over 70 years of age;
- With a high risk factor or 2 moderate risk factors: postmenopausal women under 65 years of age and men over 50 years of age;
- Existence of secondary causes of osteoporosis or elevated risk factors: women who have not had menopause and men under 50 years of age;
This test may also be indicated when there is a family history of hip fractures or diseases associated with bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, type 1 diabetes, and liver and kidney disease.
How long does a bone densitometry take?
The entire procedure of a bone densitometry, including the performance of the test, can take up to 20 minutes.
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Service description - Bone densitometry
What is bone densitometry?
Bone densitometry, often referred to as Dexa, is a quick and painless test that measures bone density, based on statistical standards, according to age, weight and gender. This technique is used to quantify bone loss. Images are acquired using a small dose of X-rays. It is mainly used to diagnose cases of osteoporosis.
Why measure bone density?
Bone density measurement is essential for assessing bone health and identifying possible bone loss at an early stage.
Bone densitometry: an effective test for diagnosing osteoporosis
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass and, consequently, in bone strength, which exposes a person to a high risk of fracture. It is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it has no signs or symptoms prior to a fracture. Most people are not diagnosed until they have suffered multiple fractures. It is most common after the age of 50.
Risk factors for developing osteoporosis are listed below:
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 with additional risk factors for osteoporosis;
- Postmenopausal women who have had a fracture;
- Women 65 years of age or older;
- Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT/ERT) for prolonged periods;
- Men with clinical conditions associated with bone loss;
- Persons with radiographic evidence of vertebral fracture;
- Persons with very low body weight/anorexia.
How is bone densitometry performed?
Bone densitometry is a very simple test. You will be asked to lie on the table with your head resting on a pillow.
When should I have a bone densitometry test?
The prescription of a bone densitometry test is particularly indicated in the following cases
- Without risk factors: women over 65 years of age and men over 70 years of age;
- With a high risk factor or 2 moderate risk factors: postmenopausal women under 65 years of age and men over 50 years of age;
- Existence of secondary causes of osteoporosis or elevated risk factors: women who have not had menopause and men under 50 years of age;
This test may also be indicated when there is a family history of hip fractures or diseases associated with bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, type 1 diabetes, and liver and kidney disease.
How long does a bone densitometry take?
The entire procedure of a bone densitometry, including the performance of the test, can take up to 20 minutes.