Bone Density Testing

If you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a bone density test, or DEXA scan, can be an important part of your care plan. This test can measure your bone strength and find osteoporosis early when it’s easier to treat. Knowing your bone mass can also help assess your risk of a fracture (broken bone) so you can take steps to help prevent it.

At Trinity Health Michigan, we use the latest technology to assess your bone density and osteoporosis risk. You receive care from our experienced team that focuses on delivering the highest safety and accuracy.

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Bone Density Testing at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

When you come to us for your osteoporosis screening, you’ll find:

• Expert team: You receive care from highly trained providers. Our radiology technologists perform bone density tests with accuracy and your comfort in mind. Then, our board-certified radiologists carefully interpret the results.
  
  
• Safe care: We use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technology for all our bone density tests. This technology produces highly detailed images using the lowest radiation doses possible.
  
  
• People-centered approach: We care about you and want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We take the time to explain each step of the process and answer your questions to help you feel at ease. 
  
  
• Convenient care: You can find our radiology locations across Southeast and West Michigan, so it’s easier to fit your test into your life. We also schedule most bone density tests within a few days, not weeks.

How to Prepare for Your Bone Density Test

A bone density test is painless and noninvasive. On the day of your bone density test:

• Eat and drink as you usually do, but don’t take calcium supplements.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without buttons, snaps or zippers.
• We may ask you to remove jewelry, glasses and anything from your pockets.
• We may ask you to change into a hospital gown.

At your appointment time, our radiologic technologist takes you to our DEXA scan room. During your test:

1. You lie still on a padded table.
2. Your technologist may put one of your feet in a special brace to turn your hip. They may also ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds for the clearest images.
3. The DEXA machine slowly moves over certain areas of your body, usually your hip and spine, while it takes pictures.
4. After the test, you get dressed and go on with your day. There is no pain or recovery time.

Our radiologists send your bone density test results to your referring provider, usually within a few days. Talk with your referring provider about what the results mean for your health and medical care.