What Is a Bone Density Test? DXA is a non-invasive test to measure bone density. A bone density test is a measurement of how much mineral, such as calcium, you have in your bones. The most common and most versatile test is with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

A DXA scan (bone density test) is a quick, painless way to check your bone health. It’s similar to a regular X-ray, but measures the strength and mineral content of your bones instead of just taking pictures of them. Providers use DXA scans to screen you for osteoporosis, osteopenia and other conditions that can silently weaken your bones.

A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.

2025年2月13日 · A bone mineral density test measures calcium and other minerals in bone. Bones containing more minerals are denser, so they tend to be stronger and less likely to break.

2022年8月10日 · Osteoporosis has been called a "silent" disease because the loss of bone progresses gradually without pain or symptoms until a fracture occurs. The best test to determine the state of your bones is called a DEXA scan, also known as a bone density test. What is a bone density test? Who should have a DEXA bone density test?

2023年12月17日 · What Is a DEXA Scan? Testing your bone density – how strong your bones are – is the only way to know for sure if you have osteoporosis. This condition causes your bone tissue to break down...

2024年11月29日 · This test, which is also called bone densitometry, uses specialized x-rays to measure the thickness and strength of your bones. In most cases the spine and hip are scanned; in some cases, the forearm is also included.

A bone density scan is a diagnostic radiology exam used to measure bone mineral content and mass. This is usually performed with an X-ray, called a DEXA scan, or with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the bones. Bone density scans can detect the depletion of bone calcium and protein, which increases your bone fracture risk.

Why measure bone mineral density? At least 30 to 40 percent of bone mineral must be lost before bone loss is detectable on a routine X-ray, and that is too late for an effective prevention of fracture risk. Specialized tests have been developed to detect small amounts of bone mineral loss in those people at risk.

Screening involves a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan, which is safe and painless. This scan uses low level x-rays to find out how much calcium a person’s bones have. This is called your bone mineral density or bone mass density (BMD). BMD is …