People readily associate a renowned diagnostic center with its excellent quality and convenience. The diagnostics services include Pathology, Histopathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Radiology, and the latest tests from any field of medical sciences. The pandemic has instilled in us the fear of isolation. Nowadays, women, older adults, and bedridden and severe chronic patients feel the need for a safe and efficient testing facility.
At Janta X-Ray Clinic, the team provides you with the best quality diagnostic services at a reasonable rate. It is roughly estimated that 36 million Indians have Osteoporosis, a term used to describe brittle bones and porous bones. One of the safest and quick ways to detect your risk of osteoporosis is to go for regular bone density tests and scans. We strongly emphasize BMD tests and check-ups at the clinic to ensure that your bone health is excellent.
What Is A BMD Or Dexa Scan?
A DEXA or DXA scan is a special low dose X-ray test that measures bone mineral density (BMD) and calcium in your bones. DEXA stands for “dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry”. The measurement shows your bone’s strength and thickness ( i.e.bone, density or mass). It is considered the gold standard for measuring muscle, fat, and bone composition. It is also prescribed if you have a high bone turnover, which reflects excessive collagen in urine samples.
Some Essential Facts Regarding Bone Density And BMD Test
1) Bones of many people become thinner as they get older. Till they reach 50, the risk of having a low bone density slowly creeps in. Other factors or illnesses that put your bone health at risk are considered.
2) This scan is recommended if you have a bone problem like osteoporosis. This causes the bone to become more fragile.
3) Your risk increases if you have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury or arthritis, which can lead to low bone density.
4) People suffering from ‘Low Bone Density’ can lead to serious medical conditions resulting in bone fractures (bone breaks).
5) This test identifies bone cancer and determines whether cancer from another part of the body has spread to the bones.
6) The diagnosis locates hidden bone fractures that do not appear on X-rays.
7) Research shows women start losing bone mass earlier and faster than men. So a DEXA scan is recommended for women to screen for osteoporosis at younger ages.
8) Some medications, such as the steroid prednisone, cancer drugs, and drugs after an organ transplant, can weaken your bones. BMD test is recommended to determine the risk.
9) Many chronic medical disorders can make your bones more fragile. Risky conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease.
10) This test is recommended if you have a personal or family history of hip fracture, osteoporosis, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or thyroid condition.
Is BMD Test Safe For Everyone?
Bone density scans are very safe. The procedure is quick and painless. They use a lower level of radiation than standard X-rays. The radiographer (the technical specialist) stays with you during the scanning. No harm is done to you or any other present during the test. The scan usually takes 20 to 30 mins.
Precautions During The Test
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments with zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.
- Objects such as keys or wallets should not be taken inside the scan room.
- You can change into a gown for the exam or scan room.
- No need to change your daily routine before a Dexa scan.
- Stop taking calcium supplements 24 hours before your test.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with no metal.
- Pregnant women should inform the doctor beforehand.
How Does a BMD Test Work?
DEXA scans measure the mineral content of your bone. BMD tests are done for all body parts, including the spine, shoulder blades, chest, hand, leg, and soft tissue.
BMD is an outpatient process which works like this :
- You have to lie down on a Dexa X-ray table. The technician will correct your position to get the desired scanning.
- Dexa machine X-ray beams are passed over the body. The radiation is safe and helps to distinguish bone from other tissues.
- The scanner translates the BMD data into pictures and graphs. Bone is seen in white, while the fat and muscle tissue are seen as shadows in the background on the monitor.
- A radiologist then interprets the scanning results.
- The scanning is done by skilled technicians and under-qualified doctors who provide accurate results.
Doctors recommend BMD, a medical imaging test to identify the condition of your bone which slowly loses its strength and thickness over time as we age. The scans at Janta X-Ray Clinic offer a high degree of accuracy. Medical experts consider DEXA scans to be a precision test for diagnosing osteoporosis. Dexa tests help a doctor track the density of your bone and the possible risk of having a broken bone over time.
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