About
A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) examination is a medical imaging test that measures how much mineral (mainly calcium) is in your bones or body composition. It helps doctors check bone strength and fracture risk, especially for conditions like osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis (very low bone mass). Most BMD exams use Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) – the clinical gold standard method.
Preparation
Before Your DXA Scan:
- You can eat and drink normally.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothes without metal (zippers, buttons, jewelry).
- Do not take calcium supplements for 24–48 hours before the scan; they may affect results.
- Tell your provider if you've recently had any contrast imaging (e.g., barium, contrast CT/MRI) – the test may be delayed for 10–14 days.
- You generally do not need to fast or stop medications, unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Contraindications & Precautions
When not to have a BMD/DEXA scan:
- Pregnancy – radiation should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy.
- Recent contrast imaging – scans should be delayed until contrast clears from the body.
- Very high body weight – some machines have weight limits; your provider will advise alternatives if needed.
Special considerations:
Bone density results may be less accurate in people with spinal deformities, surgical hardware, fractures, or arthritis, because these can affect X-ray readings.
Beyond these general rules, preparation for some tests and diagnostic procedures may require specific instructions from your treating doctor.
