Tests and treatments
X-ray bone density scan
What is it?
What is it?A bone density scan is a measurement of the bone mineral density (BMD), usually at the hip or the lumbar spinal column.
Useful link: www.osteoporoseinfo.be
Test procedure
Test procedurePreparation for the test
There are no specific preparations for this test.
Let your nurse or physician know if you are (possibly) pregnant. If that is the case, the procedure cannot be performed.
Procedure
The test is performed using a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machine. It is painless and only takes a few minutes. The patient needs to lie still without moving on the examination table during this time. The test is performed using a very low dose of X-rays and is not dangerous.
Centres and specialist areas
Centres and specialist areas
Latest publication date: 17/05/2023
Supervising author: Dr Schoofs Christophe