Bone Density Test: Who Needs It, When to Get Tested and What to Expect
Most people do not think about their bone health until a fracture happens. But by that point, significant bone loss may have already occurred. A bone density test, also called a DEXA scan, is a simple, painless test that measures how strong your bones are before damage occurs.
At Orthomed Hospital Hisar, we strongly believe in early detection, and a bone density test is one of the most powerful tools available to protect your long-term skeletal health.
What Is a Bone Density Test?
A bone density test, also called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry or DEXA scan, measures the mineral content of your bones, primarily calcium, to determine how dense and strong they are.
The results help identify osteoporosis, which means severely reduced bone density, or osteopenia, which means moderately reduced bone density, before a fracture occurs.
The test focuses primarily on the hip and lumbar spine, which are the areas most vulnerable to fractures, and takes only 10 to 20 minutes to complete. It is non-invasive, painless, and uses very low levels of radiation.
Who Should Get a Bone Density Test?
The following groups are typically recommended to get tested:
• Women aged 65 and above
• Men aged 70 and above
• Women under 65 who have gone through early menopause
• Anyone who has had a fracture from a minor fall or injury after the age of 50
• People with a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
• Those taking long-term steroid medications, such as prednisone
• People with conditions linked to bone loss, including rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, or malabsorption conditions
• Individuals with low body weight or a history of eating disorders
• Smokers or those with high alcohol consumption
At Orthomed Hospital Hisar, our specialists will assess your personal risk profile and advise whether a bone density test is appropriate for you.
What Do the Results Mean?
Bone density results are reported as a T score:
• T score of minus 1.0 or above: Normal bone density
• T score between minus 1.0 and minus 2.5: Osteopenia, which means low bone density and can be a warning sign
• T score of minus 2.5 or below: Osteoporosis, which indicates significantly increased fracture risk
Your doctor at Orthomed Hospital Hisar will interpret these results alongside your age, medical history, and lifestyle to determine the best course of action.
How Should You Prepare for the Test?
Preparation for a DEXA scan is minimal:
• Do not take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zips or buttons
• Inform the radiographer if you have had a barium scan or contrast injection in the past week
• No fasting is required
• If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, inform your doctor before the test
What Happens After the Test?
If your results show low bone density, your doctor at Orthomed Hospital Hisar, will discuss a management plan that may include
• Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation
• Weight-bearing exercise to stimulate bone strength
• Lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking
• Medication such as bisphosphonates to slow bone loss
• Regular follow-up scans, typically every 1 to 2 years, to monitor changes
If your results are normal, a follow-up scan is typically recommended after 2 to 5 years, depending on your risk factors.
Why Is Early Bone Health Screening Important?
Bone loss can happen silently without causing noticeable symptoms. Many people discover they have weak bones only after experiencing a fracture. A bone density test can help identify reduced bone density early, allowing you and your doctor to take appropriate steps to protect your bone health.
A bone density test takes less than 20 minutes and could help reduce the risk of a life-altering fracture.
If you are over 50, have risk factors for osteoporosis, or want to understand your bone health, consider discussing a bone density assessment with the specialists at Orthomed Hospital Hisar.
