A Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) scan is a special type of x-ray that measures bone mineral density. It provides information about bone strength or fragility and the risk of fractures or broken bones. The higher the density, generally, the lower the risk of fracture.
Bone densitometry (or DEXA) is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that measures bone mineral density and determines the strength of your bones. Certain medical conditions, medications and aging can lead to a loss of bone density and osteoporosis. With a loss of bone density, bones become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break. Your doctor may want to establish a baseline bone density to determine whether you need treatment with medication. DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips.
Medicare provides a rebate for medical conditions and symptoms it deems most relevant to bone densitometry studies, to enable a significant portion of the population inexpensive access. Depending on the medial conditions and symptoms, Medicare will only give a rebate for one scan in any two-year period. If you have had a scan within the last two years, please call a Apex Radiology practice to discuss your options.
If you are pregnant (or have reason to believe you may be) please inform your doctor and our staff at that time of booking. No specific preparation is required for a BMD scan. Please be sure to have a current referral from your doctor, and bring any relevant films or reports to assist our radiologists in making the most accurate diagnosis. Please bring your Medicare, Concession or Department of Veterans Affairs card with you to your appointment.
Upon arrival, your height and weight will be measured. This allows the computer to generate information about your bone density. You will be asked to lie on the examination table. BMD is a quick, non-invasive and painless procedure and no discomfort should be experienced. As any condition affecting bone density tends to affect the whole skeleton, a snapshot of a few sites is sufficient to establish the overall bone density. The BMD at the hip and spine has been shown to be the best way of predicting the risk of fracture.
There are no after effects of a BMD scan. One of our radiologists will interpret the scan and provide your referring doctor with a comprehensive report about the findings. The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.
A BMD scan does involve a very small dose of radiation, which makes this test unsuitable for women who are, or might be pregnant. The benefits of a BMD scan out outweigh the potential risks involved.
Apex Radiology
Head Office
U3, 290 Pinjarra Road
MANDURAH, WA 6210
