Bones are made of calcium, which is usually extracted from blood. Typically, dietary calcium is used in this process and can be measured using a bone density scan. Here, a special X-ray, known as a DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is used to measure the thickness of bones and amount of mass they've lost. How it Works. Calcium is an opaque element. The high calcium content of bone makes it visible on x-rays. The opacity of bones makes them visible on X-rays. Physicians can thus detect bone anomalies and treat them accordingly. This involves using minute amounts of ionizing radiation, which is passed through the body and exposed to a photographic film located on the opposite side. Special x-rays are used in imaging the bone to check the density, and this is what makes up the DXA imaging test. Bone densitometry is nowadays considered the standard evaluation of bone mineral density. The procedure is performed on the hips and lower spine, where bone density is more significant. In some patients, the entire body is scanned to check for bone density problems. This may involve using other devices to come up with a more detailed picture. The scanning could also be combined with quantitative computed tomography to observe deficiency in bone mass. Though this is more accurate, it isn't commonly used because the DXA scan is sufficiently precise. In some cases, a lateral vertebral assessment could also be conducted. Common Uses for Bone Scans DXA is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis. It's also used to assess the treatment of this condition and others as well. A physician could also use it to judge a patient's susceptibility to fractures. People who Need Bone Density Scans Women who've hit menopause and aren't on estrogen-replacement therapy need to have their bones checked. This is especially true for tall ladies whose weight falls below 125 pounds. People with personal or family history of smoking or hip fractures also need them. Men suffering from bone related conditions also fall under this category. This also applies to patients on thyroid medications, Dilantin and prednisone. Other people who need bone scans are those who experience frequent fractures and those suffering from conditions which trigger high rates of bone cell turnover. Patients who suffer from diabetes, liver and kidney diseases and hyperparathyroidism also need regular bone checks. Preparing for the Test The test is painless and quite simple. The doctor gives an appointment for the test. One needs to wear comfortable loose clothing and avoid garments with metallic accessories. One is also advised to remove all metallic objects and jewelry to avoid interfering with the x-ray images. One needs to inform their doctor if they've done tests that involve barium exams or used contrast material for CT scans. In such cases, one is advised to wait for about two weeks before the test can be conducted. Expectant ladies are also advised to avoid the test, unless it's necessary. What the Equipment Looks Like Currently, there are 2 types of DXA devices used to conduct bone scans. Central devices are calibrated to evaluate density in the spine and hip areas. These are large and are usually attached to clinical medical centers due to their colossal size. There are other devices used for fingers, wrists and heels. These are portable and can be found in small hospitals, mobile vans and local labs. How the Procedure is Performed One lies on a padded table and the generator placed under it. Though the procedure hardly varies, it generates specific images in almost all body regions. One may be asked to remain still and hold their breath for some time to ensure that the image is devoid of processing errors. The technologist then moves into the next room to view the images so they can ensure accuracy is maintained. For peripheral bone density scans Melbourne, the procedure is simpler and is over in just a few minutes. A lateral vertebral assessment may be carried out for some patients to assess the hip and spine for fractures. The process is carried out using the same equipment and takes several minutes. The entire procedure could take between 10 and 30 minutes. This provides an detailed image of the core bone. Patient Experience During and After the Procedure The entire process is quite simple and one doesn't need to make special preparations. One however needs to discuss their health issues with the doctor and disclose everything about the medication they're currently on. The doctor will conduct an assessment and their report will have several scores from which treatment can be outlined. Repeat scans would be necessary for those suffering from respiratory illnesses, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disorders. Depending on the report, one may have to be placed on medication.
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