Bone Density Testing
Huntington Beach
What Kind of Testing is Done for the Bones?
How strong are your bones? We provide timely and cost-effective bone density testing in Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging and Breast Center to check for osteoporosis. It is the only test available today to diagnose osteoporosis.
The higher the bone mineral content in your bones, the denser your bones. The denser your bones, the stronger they are.
Osteoporosis is a condition caused by the lack of calcium and other vital bone materials per segment of bone. A deficiency of calcium and other materials, or osteoporosis, causes the bones to become brittle and therefore prone to fractures.
What is Bone Density Testing?
Not long ago, osteoporosis was detected only after a bone was broken. However, at that point, it was too late to treat osteoporosis because it would have reached an advanced stage. Today, thankfully, bone density testing helps us detect this condition even before it occurs. We can now know beforehand if you are at risk of osteoporosis.
At Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging and Breast Center, we make use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to detect osteoporosis in your bones. It also allows us to keep an eye on bone density should bones be affected by cancer. Any deficiency in bone density can be taken into account in a treatment plan to avoid fractures or breaks in the bone.
Which Bones Are Tested During a Bone Density Test?
Healthcare providers usually measure the bone density of the hip and spine as these bones are at a greater risk of breaking. Also, bone density of the hip and spine can predict if there is a likelihood of future fractures or breaks in the bones.
Screening tests or peripheral tests measure the bone density in the fingers, wrists, lower arms, or heels.
What Can a Bone Density Test Do?
A bone density test can:
- Detect a decrease in bone density before you break a bone
- Determine your risk for fractures
- Confirm osteoporosis
- Monitor the treatment of osteoporosis
Why Would a Doctor Recommend Bone Density Testing?
Older women are more prone to developing osteoporosis than men. If you are postmenopausal, keeping an eye on your bone density will help prevent fractures or broken bones. People who lose at least 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) might suffer from spinal compression fractures. These fractures are often the result of osteoporosis.
Fragility fractures are caused by fragile bones as these bones tend to break more easily. It is not uncommon for people who suffer from severe osteoporosis to develop a fracture from a strong sneeze or cough.
The long-term use of some steroid medications (like prednisone) can lead to osteoporosis. If you have been on any of these steroid medications for a long time, your doctor might order testing. That’s where we come in with bone density testing Huntington Beach doctors and clients trust. Those who have received a bone marrow transplant or organ transplant are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Anti-rejection drugs can also cause osteoporosis.
A drop in hormone levels that occurs after menopause can lead to osteoporosis. It is not uncommon for hormones to drop during some types of cancer treatments. Lower levels of sex hormones are known to weaken bones.
Bone Density Testing for Non-Cancer Patients
The Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging and Breast Center provides service to everyone and not just cancer patients. You might be referred to us by your physician to get your bone density test done because we provide quick and accurate results. If you suspect your bones are brittle or any other bone-related problem, you can visit us to get your bones tested.
Who Should Get a Bone-Density Scan?
After a certain age, regular bone density scans can provide you with vital information regarding the strength of your bones. You will need a bone density scan if you are a:
• Women over 65 years of age
• Men over 70 years of age
Younger women and men must consider getting a bone density scan if they are at risk of serious bone loss. Also, you will need testing if you are:
• A postmenopausal woman below the age of 65 with risk factors.
• A man between the ages of 50 and 69 with risk factors.
Some risk factors include:
- Breaking a bone in a very minor accident.
- Having rheumatoid arthritis.
- Having a parent who at some time broke a hip.
- Smoking
- Consuming or drinking heavily.
- Having a very low body weight.
- Consuming corticosteroids for over three months.
- Suffering from disorders related to osteoporosis.
Bone Density Testing – Preparation
Bone density testing is pain-free, quick, and easy. You don’t need to prepare in advance for the test. Some forms of this test can be performed at your local pharmacy.
When you visit the Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging and Breast Center, our professionals will conduct the test in a secure and safe environment.
Most bone density tests are carried out with the patient fully dressed. However, ensure that zippers and buttons do not come in the way of the areas that are to be scanned. The test takes less than 15 minutes. Bone density tests are painless and non-invasive. That means the test is carried out without instruments or needles placed on the body or through the skin.
You might be wondering how often you will need a bone density test? A follow-up or repeat bone density test might be needed several years later, depending on the results of the first test.
Understanding Bone Density Test Results
The lower a T-score, the lower the bone density.
A T-score of -1.0 and above – normal.
A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 – low bone density or osteopenia
A T-score of -2.5 and below – osteoporosis
The Huntington Beach Diagnostic Imaging and Breast Center provides bone density testing to patients from the Huntington Beach area, as well as the Westminster and Fountain Valley areas.
We are the preferred choice of both physicians and patients because we offer reliable, quick, and accurate testing. You do not need a referral or a prescription from your healthcare provider to get a bone density test. If you feel you need a bone density test, our doors are open to you.
Contact us a today to book your appointment for bone density testing in Huntington Beach.
