A BMD scan uses dual-energy X-ray to measure the density of your bones, which provides important information about bone strength, bone fragility and the risk of bone fractures or breaks. The higher your bone density, the lower the risk of fractures.
Bone Mineral Densitometry FAQs
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There are several reasons why your doctor may have referred you for a BMD scan. These reasons include:
- You may have a medical condition that could weaken your bones.
- If you have had a fracture not related to a fall or accident.
- If you are losing height.
BMDs can be performed to diagnose or rule out Osteoporosis - a common, treatable condition that increases in likelihood with age. It is important to diagnose osteoporosis early as it can lead to bone fragility and other ailments. A BMD scan will reveal whether you have a small amount of bone loss (Osteopenia) or a larger amount of bone loss (Osteoporosis) compared to others in your age category.
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- No preparation is required for a BMD scan.
- You will not need to fast, and can take medication as usual.
- The scan is not performed in an enclosed environment but on an open bed.
- While it is not essential, we recommend wearing loose fitting clothing without metal buckles, fasteners, or zips.
- You will not be able to have this scan if you are pregnant (as it involves small levels of radiation).
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You will be required to lie on a bed during the scan. An experienced technician will capture images of your spine and hip. Sometimes an image of your forearm will be used as a substitute for the hip or spine. While we only test these small areas, the information collected will reflect the health of your entire skeleton and overall bone density.
We have the ability to scan children at some of our practices. Please ask at time of booking.
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A BMD scan generally takes around 15 minutes. Before the scan, your weight, height and medical history are collected so please allow 30 minutes for the entire appointment.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.