A bone density screening provides an accurate measurement of the density of the spine, hip and other bones that are the most frequent sites of fractures. Evaluating the bone density by using conventional x-ray techniques won’t reveal a problem until a person has lost at least 30 percent of his or her bone mass. But using new technology, physicians can receive an accurate picture of a person’s bone density early enough in the disease to start treatment as soon as possible.
Over the past 7 years or so, bone density screenings have been conducted by either using a Peripheral Instantaneous X-ray Imager or a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry.
The PIXI is a non-evasive test that uses ultrasound to scan and measure the density of the patient’s forearm or heel.
The PIXI test takes approximately two minutes to complete, and the test results are available immediately. If the results indicate that the patient has osteoporosis, the healthcare provider may prescribe the DEXA for further evaluation.
The DEXA requires the patient to lie down on a scanning table. Once the patient is positioned precisely on the table, the table’s scanner passes over the patient. Then, within minutes, the results appear on a computer screen. The healthcare provider then determines whether or not the patient has osteoporosis and how far along the disease has progressed.