Osteoporosis - Which Tests Can Help Diagnose It?

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones where bone starts losing its mass and thereby becoming less dense in nature. This disease makes the bones brittle, and this is the situation where the bone density test plays a very crucial role. The test helps to find the exact condition of the bones which helps to proceed with the treatment. It is necessary to go for a regular bone density test if your age is more than 65 years which will both help you and your healthcare provider.

The bone density test is otherwise known as DEXA scan is the abbreviated form of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. The procedure involves a minuscule amount of radiation and hence considered safe. The individuals who are suffering from osteoporosis undergo this test because the chances of fracturing the bones of the hip and the spine are high. There is no specific preparation required to undergo the scan procedure.

The individuals who are affected by osteoporosis or taking the medicines of osteoporosis should repeat their bone density test at an interval of one to two years to get an idea of the improvement and at the same time check the effectiveness of the medicine. Your doctor will revisit the treatment procedure if the test results don't show improvement.

A bone density test is the only test that is used for the detection of osteoporosis before a bone break occurs. This is a test which is mainly designed for estimating the density of the bones and the probability that the bone will break. This test is also referred to as the bone mass measurement test. The test is a quick one and takes just under half an hour to do it.