Bone densitometry
Bone densitometry is a 20-minute test that measures your body's bone mass.
Your doctor uses the results to help in his choice of treatment when there is a risk of fracture.
Exam procedure
You are lying on your back without moving and the device moves emitting a low dose of X-rays and the result is transmitted as data to a computer. To complete the examination, there is also an x-ray of your back. The results are combined and analyzed by a radiologist.
Preparing for your exam
You must not take any calcium and/or vitamin supplements on the day of the exam, or have a barium exam (such as barium enema, barium meal, small bowel) or nuclear medicine exam two weeks before the exam.