Ancillary Services

DEXA Services
The Mountain View Medical Group Osteoporosis Diagnostic Imaging Center offers bone density testing to patients who are past menopause and have risk factors for osteoporosis. The bone density test is one of the safest, most accurate ways to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and provide information about bone health. Because you cannot see or feel bone loss, by knowing your BMD, or T-score, your doctor can tell if you are at risk for osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mass), a condition that may lead to osteoporosis.

Throughout life, bone constantly renews itself, replacing old bone with new. With osteoporosis—which commonly occurs after menopause—the body starts losing bone at a rate faster than it can replace it. As a result, bones become weaker, more brittle, and more likely to break. The good news is that osteoporosis can be prevented.

There are several types of bone density tests, the most common of which is a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) test. It is similar to other X-ray tests (easy, quick and painless), only it measures the density of your bones.

On the day of the test, you can eat and drink as usual; however, you cannot take a calcium supplement for 24 hours before the test. Wear loose comfortable clothing, but nothing with metal (zippers, snaps, buttons or buckles). During the test, you relax on a bed, while a scanner arm passes over your body. Approximately 20 minutes later, you will be on your way home. The test results are not available right away, but you can schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor as soon as you get home.