The following topics can help you find answers to your questions about bone density testing:
- Your DEXA scanning team
- Scheduling Your DEXA Scan
- Reasons for Having a DEXA Bone Density Test
- Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Risks Involved in a DEXA Bone Density Test
- Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About
- Insurance Coverage
- Preparation Guidelines
- What to Expect During Your Exam
- When Will My Physician Get the Exam Results
- Additional Information
Your certified DEXA scanning team.
At The Imaging Center we believe it is important for our staff to be up to date on the latest information in medical imaging. Many of our patients find comfort in knowing we are the experts in medical imaging. Our staff have obtained national certification from the ISCD (International Society for Clinical Densitometry. http://www.iscd.org/
To schedule a DEXA bone density test, call 970-282-2912. You may conveniently schedule your DEXA scan with your annual mammogram. Our scheduling team can transfer you to PVH Breast Diagnostic Center (BDC) to schedule your mammogram or vice versa.
Reasons for Having a DEXA Bone Density Test
There are a number of risk factors for osteoporosis. If you are at risk, a DEXA bone density test can identify reduced bone mass before obvious symptoms of osteoporosis appear. Measures can then be taken to prevent further bone loss and osteoporosis-related fractures.
Osteoporosis progresses painlessly, so most individuals do not know they have it until they suffer a fracture. By realizing your level of risk, you can take appropriate measures to prevent or minimize the impact of osteoporosis.
Following are some risk factors that can make a person more vulnerable to osteoporosis. Speak with your primary healthcare provider about your risk level and preventative measures you can take.
- Being female
- Being Caucasian or Asian
- Advanced age
- Personal history of fracture after age 50 unassociated with a significant trauma
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Current low bone density
- Current cigarette smoking
- Low body weight (less than 127 pounds) or having a small frame
- Estrogen deficiency (past menopause or early menopause before age 45)
- Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day)
- Low lifelong calcium intake
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Poor health or frailty
- Inadequate physical activity
- Long term use of steroid medication and some anticonvulsants
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Low testosterone levels in men
DEXA bone density studies may also be used to evaluate the success of preventive therapy for osteoporosis.
Risks Involved in a DEXA Bone Density Test
There is the risk of x-ray exposure; however, it is well below the level that causes adverse affects. Please contact The Imaging Center @ 282-2900 if you have questions.
Conditions to Let Your Doctor Know About
In advance of your exam, let your physician or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:
- Currently pregnant
- Any barium contrast exams within 1 week of scheduled appointment
- Over age 70
DEXA bone density studies are usually covered by insurance when ordered by a physician (there must be an indication to perform the exam). Check with your insurance carrier to be sure. Please bring your insurance card with you to your exam.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably without zippers, buttons, grommets, underwires or any metal, to the exam.
**Do not schedule this exam within one week after having an exam that uses barium, a radioisotope injection, or oral or intravenous contrast material (such as an MRI or CT scan).
What to Expect During Your Exam
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time in order to complete a medical history questionnaire that is important for the DEXA interpretation. The technologist will ask you questions regarding your medical history and measure your height. You will need to remove all jewelry, hair accessories, glasses, and other metal objects as they may interfere will the exam. For the exam, you will lie still on a padded table while the DEXA unit scans two or more areas, usually the hip and lower spine. Occasionally, an additional vertebral fracture assessment will be performed of your mid and lower spine to determine if there are compression fractures.
Once the exam is complete, your technologist will counsel you on National Osteoporosis Foundation preventative measures. The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.
When
Will My Physician Get the Exam Results?
Our radiologists look at all of your images and compare this study with any
of your previous exams. Our typed report is available to your physician within
24 - 48 hours.