Bone Density
Looking for Professional Bone Density Scanning Near Homestead, FL?
A professional bone density test from Homestead Diagnostic Center can accurately determine your risk for breaking bones. These tests are particularly effective if a patient is suffering or suspects they may have osteoporosis, which is a disorder characterized by fragile bone structure that is more likely to break under pressure. Standard bone density testing involves the use of an X-Ray that can measure the amount of calcium and other materials packed into a particular segment of bone.
Bone density testing is also ideal for patients monitoring the progress of osteoporosis treatment and determining their risk for bone fractures. Bone scans are different from standard bone density tests in that they involved an injection before the test to detect cancerous infections and other abnormalities in the bone.
Q:
How Do I Prepare For a Bone Density Test?
A:
Request an appointment online or call us to book your appointment. Once your appointment is booked, your forms will be available on the patient portal.
Bone density tests are a fairly standard procedure and require little preparation on your part. It’s perfectly safe to eat and drink as you normally do before undergoing an echo, and it’s safe to take all of your doctor-prescribed medications at their usual times during the day of the test.
However, it is important to note that you should avoid ingesting calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before a test to ensure the most accurate density analysis possible.
Q:
What Happens During the Test?
A:
You will be given a clean gown to change into for your echo procedure, and you’ll be asked to remove any valuables and jewelry that could potentially interfere with the medical equipment.
A professional radiologist will ask you to lie on a padded platform, where a mechanical arm will slowly pass over your entire body, capturing data from the bones in your forearm, your femur and hip joints, lower spine, and more.
You will be exposed to a very small amount of radiation (less than the average x-ray), and once the procedure is completed, you can change back into your own clothes. In total, the procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. At Homestead Diagnostic Center, we also have smaller bone density testing equipment commonly referred to as peripheral devices, which can more accurately measure the bone density in the tips and edges of your fingers, toes, wrists, and heels.
Q:
What Happens After the Test?
A:
After a professional radiologist reviews your test results, they will be recorded and added to your digital medical record.
Your physician will have access to these results within one or two days and will likely reach out to you to discuss them.
Bone density tests utilize a unique grading scale that does require explanation to the average patient. Your test results are analyzed and reported using T-scores. Your T-score shows how much bone density you possess compared to the average, healthy 30-year old adult. Healthcare providers will generally look at the lowest T-score to diagnose osteoporosis.
Normal bone density: -1 and above
Low bone density (osteopenia): Between -1 and -2.5
Osteoporosis: -2.5 and below
All of your test results and images captured during the procedure are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal, and available to you on the patient web portal.
Homestead Diagnostic Center is committed to providing the best and most reliable bone density testing services in the industry. If you have any questions for our radiology clinic, please contact us at 305-246-5600 today.