Bone densitometry is a way of measuring your bone density, which is a method of estimating the strength of bones and the likelihood of bone fractures with minimal or no trauma. If the bone density is very low, then you have osteoporosis and a very high risk of fracturing your bones. A standard X-ray is not a good way to measure bone density because you must lose at least 30% of your bone mass before it can be detected this way. The doctor and patient needs to find out about any problem long before it gets that severe. There are different techniques for measuring bone density. The "gold standard" method is called "Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry" - abbreviated DXA. (The ISCD Official Position abbreviation is DXA, although you may also see it abbreviated DEXA.) This uses a very weak form of X-ray (about 1/30 the radiation of a standard chest X-ray) to rapidly scan your bones and a computer to convert this information to numbers indicating your bone density. This is a high technology test which takes only a few minutes and involves no shots, needles, enemas, or medicine. In fact, you don't even have to take off your clothes, provided what you are wearing does not contain any metal objects.

Who should have a bone density test?
Anyone who wants an accurate measurement of bone density should have a bone density test. However, because of cost concerns, the test is most often administered for those with high risk of developing osteoporosis, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis. Consult with your physician if you think you might benefit from knowing your bone density. The ISCD recommends that a bone density test be done for:

• All women aged 65 and older.
• All men aged 70 and older.
• Anyone with a fragility fracture.
• Anyone with a disease, condition or medication associated with osteoporosis.
• Anyone who is considering therapy for osteoporosis, if bone density testing would facilitate the decision.
• Women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for prolonged periods.
• Anyone being treated for osteoporosis, to monitor the effects of therapy.