Bone Density Tests

Trusted Diagnostics Across New Jersey

Bone density tests offer an important look into the health of our bones and whether or not a patient is suffering from osteoporosis, a condition that can weaken our skeleton and cause avoidable bone breaks. At our facilities, we use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (or "DEXA") tests to test our patients' bone density and spot osteoporosis before it results in any further health complications.

What Should I Expect?

Bone density DEXA tests can be performed several different ways but, generally, they are easier for patients to complete than other radiology tests like CT scans and MRIs. This is mostly due to the fact that patients stay clothed and lie on a table, rather than inside an enclosure.

During your bone density test:

• You will lie down on a table and be instructed to stay as still as possible.
• An x-ray machine will scan your back and hips.
• The scanning will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Patients are exposed to minimal, safe amounts of radiation. Once a DEXA scan is completed, patients (who are not admitted to the hospital or scheduled for other tests) are free to go home.

Doctors will then review the scan's "T-score," which is a measurement of the patient's bone density compared to an optimal density. T-scores of -1.0 or above are considered normal. Any lower than -1.0 and your doctor will help you assess your bone density issue.