Radiology

Bone densitometry test is recommended if you have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. 

Factors of increased risk of osteoporosis include:

• Female gender
• Increasing age
• Slender, thin-bone body build
• Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture
• Premature or early menopausal women
• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake

No special preparation is needed. You may be asked to change into a gown. Jewellery and metallic objects within the region of the examination must be removed. You will be asked to lie on the scan table during the examination. The radiographer will position you for different regions of interest. To ensure a best quality scan, it is important keep still during the procedure. 

During the examination, a mechanical arm will pass over your body. A narrow beam of low-dose X-ray will then be passed through the body part to be examined. Scans are usually done on the lumbar spine, neck of the femur (next to the hip joint), or forearm. The procedure usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.