Bone Density Testing Exams
Bone Densitometry tests are painless, noninvasive, and safe. These tests compare your bone density (strength) with standards for what is expected in someone of your age, gender, and size. Additionally it is compared to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same gender.
Bone density testing can help to:
- Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs.
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you have already fractured.
- Predict your chances of fracturing in the future.
- Determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment, if the test is conducted at intervals of a year or more.
Quick and painless osteoporosis detection
Some women are at greater risk for osteoporosis - the decrease of bone mass and density as a result of the depletion of bone calcium and protein - than others. Your physician can help you determine your risk of developing osteoporosis by taking your personal and family medical history, and by performing a bone density test or bone mass measurement. There are two ways to find out you have osteoporosis: breaking a bone and getting a bone density test. Breaking a bone is painful, expensive and debilitating. Getting a bone density test is not. It is never too late to help your bones be healthier.
Just as it is important to know your blood pressure or height, it is important to know your T-Score, which is your bone density test result. For most women, the time to watch your T-Score is shortly after menopause when declining estrogen levels no longer protect your bone density. Knowing your T-Score and risk factors help you and your physician decide how aggressively you should address osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Scheduling Your Exam
An appointment is necessary for digestive track and/or urological exams requiring fasting from midnight prior to the exam or other preparation. For other routine diagnostic exams (i.e. chest, skeletal, etc.), an appointment is not required, but is recommended for more timely service. Often we are able to accommodate your imaging needs on the day that you call for an appointment. However, exams that require preparation may have to be scheduled on a later date.
CALL Central Registration at 631-477-5121. Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM to schedule your appointment.