topic Re: Bone density test in Wellness

Bone density test

lovesrecess — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 22:15:54 GMT

Am scheduled for my first bone density test next week....am told it is a new technology type that is used and no scanning involved. Has anyone had this done and can you tell me what to expect?

Re: Bone density test

Shelbelle — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 22:26:18 GMT

Not heard of this, only had DEXA so far.

Re: Bone density test

RedTop — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 22:37:48 GMT

I don’t see how it can be much simpler than lying on your back and letting the machine scan you.

Re: Bone density test

cherry — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 23:50:54 GMT

I had it last year. It is nothing special...

Re: Bone density test

hckynut — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:26:23 GMT

@lovesrecess

I have only had DEXA and it seemed as easy as it gets to me.

hckynut

Re: Bone density test

grandma r — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:37:07 GMT

I only know of the DEXA scan, and, it's not a big deal at all. I would be interested to know what tbe new test is like.

Re: Bone density test

ALRATIBA — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:43:16 GMT

You should google .... lots of stuff out there.

Re: Bone density test

BirkiLady — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:58:30 GMT

@lovesrecess Pretty sure you are having a DEXA test. You simply lie on the table while the machine scans your bones (from above). Nothing to it! It's usually given following post-menopausal. I have it done every other year at my Rheumatologist's request due to Lupus and early osteoporosis. It's a wonderful test to keep bones healthy!

PS: That's the one day I don't wear anything with zippers or metal fasteners in my clothing!

Re: Bone density test

SilleeMee — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:57:41 GMT

It's called a QCT exam and they use a CT scanner to look at your bones in 3-D. QCT can detect bone loss earlier than a DEXA. It also can detect bone loss in soft bone as well as hard bone.

Re: Bone density test

Mmsfoxxie — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 16:33:59 GMT

Go to YouTube. There are some great QCT videos showing the procedure. I don't like that your whole body goes into this tube like an MRI. Luckily, I just got my regular one this summer.

Re: Bone density test

susielong — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 19:26:28 GMT

Have done this twice, piece of cake test. You just lie down, the scanner moves across the top of you, only takes a very few minutes. Like another poster said, no metal and comfortable clothing. Atheletic suits, leggings with tunics, etc. are great for this test.

Re: Bone density test

Shelbelle — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:39:20 GMT

@susielong wrote:
Have done this twice, piece of cake test. You just lie down, the scanner moves across the top of you, only takes a very few minutes. Like another poster said, no metal and comfortable clothing. Atheletic suits, leggings with tunics, etc. are great for this test.

That is the older DEXA test.

Re: Bone density test

susielong — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 22:56:49 GMT

@Shelbelle wrote:
@susielong wrote:
Have done this twice, piece of cake test. You just lie down, the scanner moves across the top of you, only takes a very few minutes. Like another poster said, no metal and comfortable clothing. Atheletic suits, leggings with tunics, etc. are great for this test.

That is the older DEXA test.

Well, I'm sure if the DEXA was a piece of cake and took no time at all, this one should be even better!!

Re: Bone density test

shoesnbags — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:04:01 GMT

This is the first time I've heard of a newer bone density test, but if it involves a CT scan I'll stick to the older DEXA. Everything I've read says that we should limit the number of CT scans we receive due to the radiation. There is no radiation involved in the older DEXA scan. Maybe someone with more medical knowledge can clarify this - is the new bone scan definitely a CAT scan?

ETA Just googled and the DEXA scan does indeed involve radiation, but it's a "very low dose."

Re: Bone density test

SilleeMee — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 20:17:42 GMT

The answer is yes. @shoesnbags

DEXA scans also use x-ray technology and there is radiation there, too.

QCT scans are done using the standard CT scanner where they use a different calculation to determine bone mass.

QCT measures the volume (density) of a bone and not just its 3-D shape as seen with conventional CT imaging.