There are several bone density testing devices on the market today. This equipment ranges from the small to the large. One type of machine uses ultrasound technology that has no radiation exposure at all. However, this is not recommended for long-term osteoporosis because it has limited precision and the bone mass changes very slowly. A DXA or DEXA scan is the most common scan for the hip and spine.  Many physicians offices now have medical laboratory testing equipment such as this on-site for the convenience of the patient.

Studies have proven that approximately 40% of 50-year-old women and 25% of 50-year-old men will experience at least one osteoporotic fracture during their remaining lifetime. These studies also tell us that a woman’s risk of an osteoporotic fracture is much higher than that of breast cancer, stroke and heart attack combined. These facts make a bone density test even more important.

One machine that is used is the Lunar Prodigy Primo that uses a narrow-angle fan-beam platform providing direct-digital scanning and clinical utility. The measurements of the two most vital clinical sites, spine and femur, are achieved at a low radiation dose. The highly automated Windows-based enCORE software platform optimizes productivity and ensures consistent results. The OneScan feature provides unprecedented ease of use and high precision.

DXA or DEXA is short for Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Bone Densitometry or the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scan. DXA uses a very low radiation dose. The exposure is minimal; however, you should NOT undergo a scan if there is a possibility of you being pregnant. DXA measures the BMD in one hip and in the lumbar spine. Some doctors insist on measuring both hips. Smaller, more mobile peripheral DXA devices are also used (pDXA). You should talk to your doctor about which test is best for you and available in your area.

Your doctor may even have bone-testing capabilities in his office or clinic with the portable, easy-to-use Sahara Clinical Bone Sonometer. In less than a minute, your bone mineral density can be measured, based on an ultrasound measurement of the calcaneus (heel bone), the preferred peripheral site proven in numerous studies to predict fracture risk.

Whatever scan type you get, you will be scored on this test. Just like taking a written test in school, you will get a score or grade. This score is a statistical number that will compare your bone density to that of a young adult of the same gender. This score is given in negatives, which means the higher your number the worse your bone density. For example, -1 is a good number. However, -5 is not a good number. Here is a scale to see where your score is:

The World Health Organization classifies your t-score as follows:

T-SCORE

• better than -1.0 is normal
• from -1.0 to -2.5 is osteopenia
• -2.5 or worse is osteoporosis

The Z score is the number that reflects the amount of bone you have compared to other people in your age group and of the same size and gender. If it is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.