|
Pre-Exam
Procedures
There is no special preparation
needed for bone density testing. Because
this is an x-ray exam, it is best not to
wear clothing containing metal buttons
or snaps.
What is Bone
Density Testing?
The Imaging Center performs Bone
Density Testing Exams using two
different kinds of technology: DEXA and
QCT.
DEXA
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry is
performed on an x-ray unit specifically
designed for bone mass measurement. DEXA
uses fan beam x-ray technology to sample
a slightly wider area surrounding
specific vertebrae in the lumbar spine.
DEXA also samples bone mass in an area
of the hip. Because DEXA scans an area
of the hip as well as specific areas of
the lumbar spine, it is widely used to
predict the likelihood of hip fracture.
QCT
Quantitative Computerized Technology
is performed using a Computerized Axial
Tomography (CT) unit. This bone density
test directs a thin x-ray beam in
horizontal "slices" through specific
levels of vertebrae in the lumbar spine.
this test provides the most accurate
measurements of bone mass in the
trabecular tissue of the lumbar spine,
where osteopenia begins.
Why do I need
this exam?
With age, our bones begin
to lose calcium more quickly than the
body can replace it. This disease
process is referred to as “osteopenia,”
in its mildest form and “osteoporosis”
in its more advanced stage. As the
disease progresses, the bones become
brittle and weak, making them more
likely to fracture. The bones most
prone to have severe fracture are those
in the hips and spine.
While Osteoporosis
affects many people as they grow older,
early detection can help you develop a
bone-health program with your doctor,
allowing you to slow-down development of
the disease and experience a greater
quality of life.
What should I
expect when I arrive?
When you arrive at The
Imaging Center you will be asked to fill
out basic information about your health
background. You will be greeted by a
technologist, who will explain to you
the exam and ask any additional
questions. You will be led into a room
designed specifically for bone testing
and asked to lie on a comfortable table
upon which the exam will be performed.
Much like a traditional x-ray, there is
no discomfort or feeling of
claustrophobia.
How long will
the exam take?
The exam will take
about 20 minutes. Please allow 10
additional minutes for registration and
dressing time.
What happens
after the exam?
Once the exam is
completed, the technologist will view
the results to make sure that an
accurate picture was taken. The results
will be reviewed by a board-certified
radiologist and submitted to your
doctor. Your doctor will review the
diagnosis and consult with you about
further treatment.
Safety of DEXA
and QCT Exams
There are no known
side effects from the low dose of
radiation that one receives from these
exams. It is, however, important to
inform the technologist if you are or
could be pregnant.
|
Bone Density Testing