Bone Density Test
The Bone density test is an examination aimed at assessing the severity of osteoporosis, i.e. the condition in which the skeleton is subject to a loss of bone mass or resistance and, consequently, is more exposed to fractures. This loss of bone mass can occur due to various factors related to nutrition, metabolism or certain conditions.
From a technological point of view, the Bone density test uses ionizing radiation (X-rays). The device is able to calculate the density of mineral salts present in the bone, in particular calcium, and based on this data it is possible to establish the level of severity of the condition and the appropriate therapy.
Who should schedule this appointment?
According to the Italian Ministry of Health Guidelines presented in 2005, the indications for performing the bone density test are:
- previous fragility fractures (caused by minimal trauma) or radiological findings of vertebral fractures
- radiological finding of osteoporosis
- menopausal women with a family history of osteoporotic fracture before the age of 75
- menopausal women with a body mass index below 19 kg/m2
- postmenopausal women with only one of the following risk factors: inadequate calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, smoking over 20 cigarettes / day, alcohol abuse greater than 60 g/day
- women in early or surgical menopause
- women and men on prolonged therapy with certain medications
- women and men who present medical conditions at risk of osteoporosis
What to expect?
The patient is asked to lie on a padded platform integrated in the Hologic densitometer, one of the most advanced technology available. In most cases, the examination involves two projections: one at the level of the lumbar spine and one at the level of the neck of the femur. If requested by the physician, it is also possible to perform a total body bone density test, i.e. scanning the whole body, without changing the examination dynamic (the patient remains lying on the bed). Despite being based on exposure to X-rays, the bone density test is less invasive than a traditional radiography. In fact, a more superficial level of radiation intensity is sufficient to analyze the composition of the bones, with a less significant impact on the tissues. For this reason, in patients suffering from osteoporosis, the test is repeated every two years.
The test usually lasts about 20 minutes and it includes the patient positioning, the collection of the images as well as the collection of the patient’s past medical history. The report is delivered to the patient on a CD ROM shortly after the procedure.
Why choose MediClinic?
The medical devices adopted by MediClinic are among the most advanced technologies currently available, guaranteeing:
- precision and accuracy, to ensure reliable results for each procedure
- the processing of high resolution images, to facilitate the detection of fractures
- image processing speed: ito capture images of the femoral neck and spine in just few seconds
MediClinic has chosen to develop the images exclusively in digital format, storing them on a CD-Rom, to have a lower environmental impact, offer a healthier workplace for operators and take up a minimal amount of space.
The price of the diagnostic examination is very low and equivalent to the price of a health ticket, while in many public hospitals the price of the test, if performed as a private patient, is much higher. In addition, the waiting times for the test are reduced to just a few days. The technical radiology staff will welcome the patient in the best way possible, with kindness and professionalism.
The real highlight of MediClinic, however, is the availability of an Integrated Unit of Bone Metabolism: after receiving the bone density test report, the patient can also obtain clinical feedback from the specialist. Patients can also benefit from the Clinical Pathway of Bone Metabolism which consists of a series of blood, clinical and instrumental tests aimed at achieving a holistic view of the patient from the bone metabolism perspective.
