Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and DEXA ScanningOsteoporosis can be diagnosed by measuring the density of bone. The most accurate and reproducible results are obtained by measuring the density of bone at the hip and spine. In our unit this carried out on the Norland Excell central bone densitometer. Using a pencil beam X-Ray source, the dose of radiationis a fraction of a dental X-ray. This is not to be confused with another procedure called quantitive ultrasound, which does not diagnose osteoporosis. DEXA scanning is also used to monitor the response to treatment for osteoporosis The procedure requires the patient to lie on a frim surface for up to 20 minutes and there are no special preparations, fasting or enemas. It is entirely painless If you still have periods, you must be within 10 days of the start of your last period. |