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Bone Mineral Density Testing (BMD) is an evaluation used to help diagnose osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bone loss, and increases bone fracture risk. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a type of bone density testing. BMD testing is generally recommended for women under the age of 65 with risk factors other than menopause, postmenopausal women with fractures, and all women age 65 and older. It may also be used to assess bone integrity after the use of inhaled steroid medications for asthma or chemotherapy, and in relation to other conditions, including thyroid disorders, menopause, hysterectomy, premature fractures, and advanced age.
Preparation
BMD may be performed at your doctor’s office, an outpatient radiology center, or the radiology department of a hospital. There are no special preparation instructions for BMD.
Procedure
BMD is a short procedure, usually lasting less than 15 minutes. A technician will position your body for the test. BMD is a painless procedure.
A radiology technician may perform your test, but is not qualified to diagnose or discuss your condition or results with you. A radiologist or your doctor will discuss your results with you.
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