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Many people, especially women, suffer from bone problems and fragility and need to do some tests and analyzes to detect bone problems. Bone density tests, also called bone mineral density tests, check how strong your bones are by measuring a small part of one or a few of them can help Findings your doctor finds out how to treat or prevent bone loss and fractures, according to a report webmed.
Who should have a bone density test?
- All women age 65 and over.
- Younger women have a higher than normal chance of fractures for their age.
Types of bone density tests
Two types of machines can measure bone density, most notably by testing it in the hip, spine, and total body. Doctors can use it to perform different types of bone density tests:
DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) Measures the spine, hip, or whole body. Doctors consider this test to be the most useful and reliable for checking bone density.
QCT (Quantitative tomography) measures bone density in the spine, but can test other sites as well This test is not often used because it is expensive and provides a lot of radiation.
Peripheral devices examine the finger, wrist, patella and heel These machines are a good option when examinations are not available DXA
Peripheral examination tests include:
- pDXA (Peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures the wrist or heel.
- used QUUS (Quantitative ultrasound) sound waves to measure density, usually at the heel.
- pQCT (peripheral quantitative tomography) measures the wrist.
- Once you have the test results, you and your doctor can decide what to do next.
Do I need bone density tests to check for osteoporosis?
The American Medical Association and other major medical groups say most people don’t need to repeat tests to check their treatment for osteoporosis in the first three years. Bone density changes so slowly with treatment that the differences may be smaller than a device measurement error. These experts say frequent scans Cannot distinguish between a true increase in bone density due to treatment and a change in how the device measures it.
Most doctors call for a retest within two years after having it the first time. They do so to see if the medication is working well..
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