How is bone density measured

For your information Peripheral bone density tests measure bone density in the lower arm, wrist, finger or heel. The T-score Most commonly, your BMD test results are compared to the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult, and you are given a T-score. Low bone mass Bone density is between 1 and 2.

Osteoporosis Bone density is 2. Severe established osteoporosis Bone density is more than 2. Low bone mass versus osteoporosis The information provided by a BMD test can help your doctor decide which prevention or treatment options are right for you. Low bone mass can be caused by many factors such as: Heredity.

Low body weight. A medical condition or medication to treat such a condition that negatively affects bone. Who should get a bone density test? For your information This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here.

For updates and for any questions about any medications you are taking, please contact U. Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone. Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition.

Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing clothes with zippers, belts or buttons.

Leave your jewelry at home and remove all metal objects from your pockets, such as keys, money clips or change. At some facilities, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. Bone density tests are usually done on bones in the spine vertebrae , hip, forearm, wrist, fingers and heel.

Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including:. If you have your bone density test done at a hospital, it'll probably be done on a device where you lie on a padded platform while a mechanical arm passes over your body. The amount of radiation you're exposed to is very low, much less than the amount emitted during a chest X-ray. The test usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes. When you walk, your bones carry the weight of your whole body.

You can also lift weights. Aim for at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise a day. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Among other things, smoking and drinking alcohol can speed up bone loss. Try to avoid certain drugs.

Some drugs can damage bones. These include proton pump inhibitors common ones are omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole , used to treat heartburn; corticosteroids; and some of the newer antidepressants. This measurement tells the healthcare provider whether there is decreased bone mass. This is a condition in which bones are more brittle and prone to break or fracture easily.

A bone density test is used mainly to diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis. It is also used to determine your future fracture risk. The testing procedure typically measures the bone density of the bones of the spine, lower arm, and hip. Portable testing may use the radius 1 of the 2 bones of the lower arm , wrist, fingers, or heel for testing, but is not as precise as the nonportable methods because only one bone site is tested. Standard X-rays may show weakened bones. But at the point when bone weakness can be seen on standard X-rays, it may be too far advanced to treat.

Bone densitometry testing can find decreasing bone density and strength at a much earlier stage when treatment can be beneficial.