Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

Bone loss is associated with osteoporosis a disease where decreasing bone density makes bones brittle and prone to fractures. BMD uses very low dose X-rays to evaluate bone mineralisation and hence predict fracture risk, allowing prevention therapy for osteoporosis to be started or modified.

BMD should be considered in normal healthy middle-aged men and women as a baseline, or in patients where disease or therapeutic interventions affect bone density and metabolism.

Scan Shows

• do not take calcium supplements 2 days prior to your exam or on the day of your scan
• wear comfortable clothing without metal hooks, buttons or zippers. Pants with an elastic waistband are recommended
• please notify the technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant
• let us know if there is any metal in the part of the body being imaged, such as spinal fusion rods or a hip prosthesis
• BMD studies cannot be scheduled within 4 days following any contrast scans such as barium studies, IVU or CT or radio-isotope nuclear medicine scans
• please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam