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Do you keep your clothes on for a bone density test?
No special preparations are needed. You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. But you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown.
What is the prep for a bone density test?
Bone density tests are easy, fast and painless. Virtually no preparation is needed. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you’ve recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test.
What do they do during a bone density scan?
A bone density scan uses low dose X-rays to see how dense (or strong) your bones are. You may also hear it called a DEXA scan. Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess your risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
How long does a bone density scan usually take?
How long does a DEXA scan take? A DEXA scan usually takes no more than 25 minutes. Many people are in and out of the room in less than 30 minutes.
Can you wear deodorant for a bone density test?
Wear loose and comfortable clothing with no metal. Remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the study. Patients should not wear any deodorant, powder, or perfume the day of the exam.
Can you wear shoes during a bone density test?
Patient weight limit is 250 pounds. Wear sweat pants (or elastic waist pants or shorts), and a T-shirt. Shoes will be removed for exam. Do not wear jewelry, hearing aids, belt buckles, zippers, snaps, or buttons.
Can I drink coffee before a bone scan?
Refrain from consuming any caffeine, including any decaffeinated products.
Does a bone density test hurt?
A bone density test is like an x-ray or scan of your body. The test doesn’t hurt, and you don’t need to do anything to prepare for it. It only takes about 15 minutes.
Can you wear jeans for a bone density test?
In preparation for your bone density scan, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with no buttons, zippers or metal decorations. Avoid wearing jeans or denim as the material is dense and can affect the results.
Why to consider bone density testing?
Decreased estrogen production resulting from menopause
What you should know about a bone density scan?
A T score of -1.0 or higher. This is considered normal bone density.
How often should bone density testing be done?
A baseline bone density test is recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation and other professional groups for all women 65 years old and older. Medicare pays for a test every two years and many doctors order them that frequently.
Why do I need a bone density test?
– Bone damage in a minor accident. – Family history of osteoporosis. – Smoking Drinking heavily. – A low body weight. – Corticosteroid drugs usage – Vitamin D deficiency. – Hormonal Imbalance – You’re 50 or older.