What is a Bone Density Test?

At one time the only way you knew if you had osteoporosis was after you had broken a bone. This was often too late as by this point your bones could already be weak.

Today bone density tests can show you if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis before you have to suffer from any broken bones.

A bone density test comprises of a special type of X-ray which measures your calcium and bone mineral levels in any area of your bone. It is actually a fairly good way of predicating if you are at risk or not.

The results from a bone density test can then be compared to averages of people of the same age, gender and characteristics.

Having a good bone mass is important. The mineral count should be high as this shows that you have dense bones which are less likely to break.

If your test results come back with low levels of minerals then this could mean that you are at risk of developing osteoporosis at some point in the future.

Many people often get confused by bone density tests and bone scans. A bone scan is a test which is used to locate fractures and other bone abnormalities. You are injected with a liquid prior to the bone scan.

As you age your bones become weaker and bone density tests are recommended for anyone over 65 years old. If you have a family history of osteoporosis you may wish to request a test earlier. Normally bone density tests are taken two years apart so changes can be accurately seen.

Women tend to be more at risk for osteoporosis than men, with Caucasian and Asian women being in the highest risk level.

A bone density test can be performed in several ways. Some of the testing machines are large and allow you to lie down to be tested. Other testing equipment is small and portable and good for testing smaller areas of your body.

The areas of your body that are normally tested are your vertebrae, neck, the femur bone and your wrist and forearm areas. A bone density test can be expensive and is not always covered by a health insurance plan.

The results of a bone density test are delivered as T-Scores. These scores are comparable to a young adult of the same gender. For instance a T-Score of 0 will show that your bones are that of a 30 year old and you are probably not a risk for osteoporosis.

If your score drops to a -1 or -2.5 then this indicates that you are at risk of developing full blown osteoporosis. You must then take action to help prevent your osteoporosis from getting worse.


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