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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffBone density testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fractures.
Limitations of bone density testing include:
- Differences in testing methods. Central devices, which measure the density of your spinal and hip bones, are more accurate but cost significantly more than peripheral devices, which measure density in the forearm or heel bone.
- Might not be covered by insurance. Not all health insurance plans cover bone density tests, so ask your insurance provider whether it provides coverage that applies to your situation.
- Doesn't identify a cause of low bone density. A bone density test can confirm that you have low bone density, but it can't tell you why. To answer that question, you need a complete medical evaluation, including a history and physical. This information can help your doctor better interpret the results of the bone density test.
References
- Bone mass measurement: What the numbers mean. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/bone_mass_measure.asp. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: Recommendations and rationale. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/osteoporosis/osteorr.htm. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Raisz LG. Screening for osteoporosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Hansen KE, et al. Osteoporosis. In: Duthie EH, et al. Practice of Geriatrics. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155482233-3/0/1532/150.html?tocnode=53845866&fromURL=150.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Bone density scan. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dexa&bhcp=1. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Fast facts on osteoporosis. National Osteoporosis Foundation. http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Lane NE. Metabolic bone disease. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155482233-4/0/1807/695.html?tocnode=55733918&fromURL=695.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10092-0_3381. Accessed Aug. 19, 2009.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) testing: What the numbers mean. National Osteoporosis Foundation. http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/bmdtest.htm. Accessed Aug. 25, 2009.
