Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Test

Alternate name: BMD test, Bone density test, Bone densitometry, DEXA scan, DXA, Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

Test significance: A Bone mineral density (BMD) test uses X-rays to measure how much of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and forearm. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Indian women aged 30-60 years is 29%- a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition.

A BMD test at Godavari Diagnostic Centre provides guidelines to help identify the decrease in bone density, to determine risk of fracture, monitor osteoporosis.

Test preparation:

Please call our Heathline to book an appointment at your preferred centre to undertake the test

Avoid calcium supplements and multivitamins 24-48 hours prior to the test

Avoid wearing clothes with metal buttons or buckles. You may also be required to remove any jewellery which interferes with the test.