Departments
BONE DENSITOMETRY
Bone densitometry is a radiological examination performed to determine bone mineral loss. The examination is usually performed on the spine and the hip bone. However, sometimes there may be situations that require a whole body examination.
Bone densitometry is used by doctors for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis usually affects postmenopausal women. However, men can also be affected, albeit less. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bone to become brittle over time due to loss of calcium and structural changes.
Bone loss can also develop due to another disease or due to drugs used for another disease; bone densitometry can be used to detect this.
Who is this test recommended primarily for?
Who is this test recommended primarily for?
- Postmenopausal women.
- Those who have previously had a hip fracture themselves, and those whose mother has had a hip fracture.
- Smokers.
- Postmenopausal women who are taller than 170 cm or who weigh less than 57 kg.
- Those who use drugs that cause bone loss such as cortisone or high-dose thyroid medication, and those with liver disease, kidney disease or hyperparathyroidism.
- Those with osteoporosis in the family.
- Those who have had a fracture after a minor trauma.
- Those with evidence of osteoporosis on x-ray examination.
What should be done before the examination?
What should be done before the examination?
Medicines containing calcium should not be taken 24 hours before. Contrast material should not be taken orally and intravenously before the examination.
Testing is not possible during pregnancy.
Food can be eaten on the day of the examination and before it. All medicines can be taken, except calcium-containing medications. It does not require a special diet.
How is the examination performed?
How is the examination performed?
The densitometry examination takes between 5 and 15 minutes. No pain is felt during the examination. It does not require any medication. It does not require anesthesia.
An extremely low dose of radiation is used. After the examination, there is no radiation left in the patient.
Your Health Is Our Commitment
Your results are now closer.
You can access the laboratory, radiology and other examination results performed at Özel Emar Tıp Merkezi online, quickly and securely.