Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Bone Density Testing
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To accurately detect osteoporosis (brittle, thinning bones), an x-ray scanning technology called dual-energy x-ray (DXA or DEXA) is used to measure the amount of bone mass in your hip and lower spine. A bone density DEXA scan is quick and painless. There are two types of DEXA bone scan equipment: central devices used in hospitals and medical imaging facilities, and peripheral devices available in drugstores, mobile health vans and at community health fairs. Central DEXA devices measure bone density of the hip and spine; peripheral devices measure it in the wrist, heel or finger. A Central DEXA device is considered the "gold standard" for accurately measuring bone density and loss of bone mass. Bone density testing is also used to track the effectiveness of medications prescribed to treat osteoporosis.

Do don't take calcium supplements for 3 hours prior to your exam
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that contains no metal (i.e., zippers, grommets, belts, buttons, etc.)
Do not schedule a bone density exam within 2 days following a nuclear medicine scan or any x-ray involving intravenous (IV) contrast or barium. You will need to wait 10-14 days before undergoing a DEXA bone density scan.
Because this exam involves low levels of radiation exposure, inform your physician or Radiologic Technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Bone density testing is a simple, painless, non-invasive exam. You will lie comfortably on a large, flat table. While lying still and breathing normally, a suspended scanner arm will deliver a beam of low dose x-ray through your body that will measure the bone mass of your lower spine and hip. An image of your lower spine and hip is displayed on the scanner's computer monitor. Based upon your individual bone mass measurement the Radiologist is able to diagnose the presence of osteoporosis or osteopenia (i.e., the presence of less than normal amount of bone. Osteopenia, if not treated, may result in osteoporosis.)

A DEXA bone density scan takes approximately 15 minutes from the time you enter the bone density testing suite until you leave. The actual scan time is less than 5 minutes. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.
Hip Scan

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

Bone Density Testing patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Imaginis.com
General Electric Health

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