Alternative Names bone mineral analysis (BMA), BMD
Definition This test measures a person's bone density in order to diagnose osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become less dense. Testing bone mineral density helps to both diagnose the disease and tell how far it has progressed.
Who is a candidate for the test? The following women are likely to be asked by a doctor to have this test done:
postmenopausal women
postmenopausal women with fractures
all women older than 65 regardless of risk factors
women considering treatment for osteoporosis, if BMD testing would affect the decision
How is the test performed? Most methods for measuring bone mineral density are fast and painless. The methods involve taking dual energy x-rays (DEXA) of the spine, wrist, arm, or leg.
Most centres ask the woman to undress and put on an examination gown. She will also be asked to remove any jewellery or metal that could interfere with the test.
During the DEXA test, the woman lies face up on the x-ray table while the system scans an area of her body, usually the lower spine or hip. The test takes only a few minutes and the x-ray dose is small.
What is involved in preparation for the test? A woman will be asked if she is pregnant. She should also ask her doctor for any special instructions to prepare for the test.
What do the test results mean? By comparing the numbers calculated from the test with an established standard of bone density, a doctor can diagnose osteoporosis. The person's chances of having a bone fracture can also be estimated.
Author: Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
